SDSA Backgrounder

San Diego Science Alliance is the catalyst for improving K-12 science education in San Diego County. We deliver quality experiential programs, build bridges between the region’s diverse business, education and scientific research communities, and foster public/private partnerships to increase science literacy.

To accomplish our vision we:

• Deliver innovative and engaging science programs responsive to the interests and needs of K-12 students, teachers and community partners.
• Are a trusted point of access and conduit to the best science and technology resources for students, teachers and families.
• Build bridges between the business, education and scientific research communities to ignite continuous improvement of science, technology, engineering and math education.
• Engage in fiscally sound and sustainable business practices that attract strong, long-term support, both financial and intellectual, and effectively leverage local, regional, and national resources.

SDSA Programs and resources include:

BE WiSE – Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering

BE WiSE invites girls in grade 7 and 8 to Science Overnights to explore their interest in science, hosts events for BE WiSE alumnae in high school to encourage their selection of more courses in science and math, and exposes these girls to adult women scientists who share their knowledge, passion and experiences with science and engineering careers. Events are scheduled throughout the academic year and during the summer.

High Tech Fair – The primary goal of the High Tech Fair is to demonstrate to middle and high school students the actual applications of the science, technology, engineering and math concepts they are learning about in their core academics. Researchers and industry exhibitors prepare interactive exhibits where students can explore technological advances that are practiced by STEM professionals. The interactions that take place during the fair result in new inspirations for students and teachers and renewed commitments to education outreach for exhibitors.

STEM Professionals with Class – The Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Professionals with Class is an innovative program that matches STEM professionals from business, research and higher education with K-12 classroom volunteer teaching opportunities. The program leverages the involvement of a community rich in scientific professionals to provide positive science role models to students and teachers.

Robotics – SDSA provides 7th–12th grade students the opportunity to learn more about and use basic skills that are important to modern robotics through innovative programs like Botball and FIRST Robotics.

MSSELI – Middle School Science Education Leadership Initiative
The goal of MSSELI is to identify lead science teachers from San Diego City and County middle schools. Once identified, these teachers participate in an intensive summer and academic year professional development program focused on science content, leadership strategies, and collaboration with area public and private scientific institutions.

Health Sciences Initiative - HSI supports high school health academies or pathway programs and enhances Latino and diverse students’ health and science education experience. Through the HSI project, SDSA and the collaborative partners seek to provide resources and recommendations to existing and future health academies, college level educators, and industry leaders that can be utilized to engage students to pursue health careers.

Partnership Awards – The Science Alliance regularly sponsors countywide meetings of science educators and community organizations. One such meeting is the annual Partnership Awards, which recognizes outstanding efforts toward the improvement of science education in San Diego County. Awards are given to the outstanding teacher, school administrator, philanthropist and volunteer of the year.

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) – A conference coordinated for 6th through 10th grade young women by the national Math/Science Network that increases the participation, retention, and advancement of girls and women in math, science, engineering and technology.

Resource Catalog – A comprehensive online listing of K-12 educational programs and resources relating to STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. This database can be searched by kind of resource, subject area focus, grade range, and audience.

Science Alliance on the Web – Educators, students, and industry leaders alike can log onto the Science Alliance web site (www.sdsa.org) to learn about upcoming science education-related events, Science Alliance projects, and take part in interactive learning communities.

Online Announcements – The “Science E-News” e-mail service provides advance information about local STEM education events and resources, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers.