Networked Improvement Community

Networked Improvement Community Collective Learning

The STEM PUSH Network uses a collective impact approach called a networked improvement community. Products of this collective learning are shared below.

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What is a Networked Improvement Community?

A Networked Improvement Community (NIC) is a specialized form of a network, defined by four key characteristics that make it a powerful structure to engage in the complexity of broadening participation in STEM:

Focused

Focused on a well-specified common aim.

Guided

Guided by a deep understanding of the problem, the system that produces it, and a shared working theory of how to improve it.

Disciplined

Disciplined through an approach to testing changes using the methods of improvement science.

Coordinated

Coordinated to accelerate the development, testing, and refinement of interventions, their rapid diffusion across participating programs, and their effective integration into varied contexts.

From Bryk, A. S., Gomez, L. M., Grunow, A., & LeMahieu, P. G. (2015). Learning to improve: How America’s schools can get better at getting better. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.

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Self-Study Tool for Out-of-School Time STEM Programs

Through learning and adaptation from use with STEM PUSH pre-college STEM programs, the STEM PUSH Network presents this evidence-based self-study tool. It is designed for use in out-of-school time spaces and organizations that share common goals around broadening participation in STEM.

Created in 2024 and first presented at the ARIS Summit in April 2024.

**Note: This resource is in Google Sheets format to support quick implementation. Click the link, select “Make a Copy” and edit a duplicated version of the spreadsheet. Then, we’d love to hear what you think to help us learn and improve this tool by filling out a brief survey (linked from the START HERE tab).

Evidence-based Improvement Packages

STEM PUSH seeks to broaden participation of students in STEM. Pre-college STEM program leaders in this improvement network test out ideas to move us toward that goal.

These evidence-based improvement packages summarize our promising ideas, offering a collection of planning guides and resources so others may try out these changes.

ECOLOGICAL BELONGING

Published January 2025

Implementing a routine demonstrated to positively impact students’ attitudes toward struggle in STEM and their ability to overcome it.

With This Improvement Package

Facilitation protocols and presentation templates to customize this 60-minute classroom activity.

Reflections from STEM PUSH pre-college STEM program leaders who tested the activity.

Survey items to assess students' approach to struggle in STEM.

DEVELOPING A GUEST SPEAKER ROUTINE FOR STEM PATHWAY SUPPORT

Published September 2023

Leverage guest speaker visits to communicate affirming and practical knowledge about STEM college and career possibilities.

With This Improvement Package

Ideas for centering students’ interests and input to inform guest speaker recruitment and content.

Examples of ways in which STEM PUSH pre-college STEM program leaders re-designed guest speaker preparation.

Templates and tools with which to scaffold “sticky” guest speaker experiences.

EXTENDING RECRUITMENT EFFORTS INTO NEW SPACES, USING REDESIGNED MATERIALS

Published March 2023

Use redesigned practices and materials in new communities to successfully recruit students from new communities to broaden participation.

With This Improvement Package

Ideas about how you might rethink recruitment in order to broaden participation of youth into your organization.

Examples of ways in which STEM PUSH pre-college STEM program leaders expanded their recruitment efforts.

Data collection tools, planning calendars, and other ideas to support equitable recruitment practices.

BUILDING PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY THROUGH STAFF DISCUSSION

Published March 2023

Increase program capacity to support students around issues of race and racism that they may encounter in STEM

With This Improvement Package

A discussion routine that can deepen awareness of the subjectivity of STEM, and how that is linked to racism and systemic oppression.

Ways you can help your staff deepen their understanding of racist systems, their position within those systems, and how these systems may affect their students.

Ways in which themes and ideas from the discussion can be used to inform your education practices.