South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics and Science

This programs aims to inspire learning and leadership everywhere that STEM matters in South Carolina and beyond. In 2018, the SC Coalition for Math and Science celebrated 25 years of service as an advocate/catalyst for constancy and quality in science, technology, and engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in South Carolina. While the program has not always been known as SCCMS, its core expertise has always been in supporting teachers and schools. The Coalition name, which dates to 2004, signaled the beginning of a broader reach into other learning and leadership spaces. Today, affiliated organizations such as Science on the Move, Dreams Imagination Gift, the Lowcountry STEM Collaborative, and the Upstate STEM Collaborative engage in everything from mobile STEM outreach to after-school programs to community STEM festivals.

Our Program

We serve the whole SC STEM ecosystem through programs that:

  • inspire communities and children to explore STEM learning and careers
  • enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of educators
  • engage and align the efforts of organizations and individuals committed to STEM learning
  • inform key leaders and decision makers
  • explore, research, and innovate in areas of need

Counties Served

State-wide

Annual Cost

$2.8 million

Partner Organizations

  • 100kin10
  • AdvancED SC
  • BMW Manufacturing Co.
  • Berkeley Co. School District
  • Boeing
  • Bosch
  • Clemson University Center for Workforce Development
  • Clemson Extension Service
  • Comporium
  • Duke Energy
  • Education Oversight Committee
  • Fluor
  • GE
  • Google
  • Lander University
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Michelin NA
  • Million Women Mentors SC
  • Public Education Partners of Greenville
  • Scan Source
  • SC Arts Alliance
  • SC Future Minds
  • SCETV
  • Smithsonian Science Education Center
  • Spartanburg School District 7
  • Winthrop University
  • STEM Premier
  • STEMx.

Funding Sources

Cash:

  • $1.75 million annually from SC General Assembly

In-kind:

  • The remainder is generated from grants, gifts, and program fees

Evaluation and Outcomes

Our research base is extensive. Along with 25 years of hands-on, action research, we are guided by a Theory of Action and a body of research that underpins our Innovation Configuration Maps. Both our Theory of Action and Innovation Configuration Maps are endorsed by STEMx and their research bases are accessible at http://www.s2temsc.org/stem-theory-of-action.html and http://www.s2temsc.org/stem-innovationconfiguration-ic-maps.html

External evaluation concluded that our four-year long, Inquiring Minds-Reading to Learn in Mathematics & Science (IQ-MS) research initiative was effective in meeting its stated goals. Download the IQ-MS evaluation reports at http://www.s2temsc.org/disciplinary-literacyvirtuallibrary.html

Our STEM Leadership for Inclusion (iSTEM) pilot was also found effective in meeting its goals by external evaluation. Download the iSTEM evaluation report at http://www.s2temsc.org/ instructional-leadership.html

Our Theory of Action and Innovation Configuration maps were found reviewed and endorsed by a panel of national experts affiliated with STEMx. See http://www.stemx.us/resources/

Over 94% of all participants in SCCMS programs who have completed surveys since 2011/12 have rated their learning experience positively.

SCCMS also submits a progress report to the Education Oversight Committee for the purpose of evaluating our return on the state’s investment. We have been recommended for additional funding in each of the past two fiscal years.

Grades Served

  • Early Childhood (Pre-K – 2)
  • Elementary (3-5)
  • High School (9-12)
  • Professional Development

Related Subjects

  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology

Contact Information

Dr. Tom Peters, tpeters@clemson.edu