September AMP_Digital

2018 - 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN OUR FUTURE The ASM Materials Education Foundation (the Foundation) is embarking on a new strategic plan through 2021. This plan lays the groundwork for expansion and enhancement of programming and products by putting the Foundation on solid footing through funding and staffing capacity. The Foundation will be expanding its ways of providing content to students and teachers in order to truly excite and inspire students. And, as always, the Foundation will continue to work together with ASM International to be sure our work is aligned and complementary. The Foundation began in 1952, initiated by ASM International to distribute scholarships to students pursuing materials science majors and careers. The Foundation has been operating programming beyond scholarships since 2000, seeking to reach the greatest number of individuals possible. New ideas have sparked new programming throughout the past two decades, all using materials science to provide STEM education. ASM Materials Education Foundation wants to see students get excited about all STEM subjects and see where their creativity can take them. Materials provide a theme for STEM education by tying together concepts from chemistry, physics, mathematics, life sciences, and engineering, as well as bridging the gap between abstract concepts and real-world experiences. The science and engineering of materials lends itself to hands-on learning with many engaging and low-cost demonstrations and experiments to bring active learning into the classroom. All ASM programming can be seen as points on a continuum in sharing materials science with individuals along an age spectrum. While the Foundation provides information to students and their teachers in grades K-12, and sometimes 16, its parent organization, ASM International, provides information to college students and professionals in their materials science, engineering, and related careers. In this age of technology and information sharing, this strategic plan addresses the need for increased fundraising at the same time as exploring new ways to share the Foundation’s incredible content, all with the goal to reach as many students as possible with the excitement of materials science as the gateway to STEM fields. A wide variety of organizations now provide STEM programming in the K-12 space. One of the Foundation’s strengths is the hands-on nature of the materials science curriculum for both students and their teachers. Throughout the duration of this strategic plan, the Foundation will further define our programming, its strengths and unique qualities, and how it impacts students. One piece we are always looking to add to our work is YOU. We are happy to talk with YOU about how YOU can be a part of our progress. Open the door for the Foundation to potential funders. Provide funding yourself. Mentor teachers or students. Connect the Foundation to new ways of reaching students or teachers. Thank YOU for all that you do for ASM International and the Foundation. We are excited to forge ahead in our new direction, with your support. Carrie Wilson Executive Director