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All active working group members, please take 15-20 minutes to complete the semi-annual working group survey by November 24, 2021. The survey can be found using the three options below and once you’ve accessed it you can select the corresponding working group in which you’ve been most active. If you are part of additional working groups, you are welcome to complete a survey for those groups as well.
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To understand the dynamics of each working group, we request that you offer honest feedback and complete the survey(s) to the best of your ability. We understand there may be some items you cannot answer but still encourage all working group members to participate in the survey in some way. For this reason, the survey offers you an opportunity to include responses like “I don’t know” for most question items.
The ICF team is available to provide technical assistance for any questions you may have during this process. For questions regarding the survey rubric or your rights as a study participant, please call 703-200-9576 or email Johnavae Campbell at johnavae.campbell@icf.com. For all other questions regarding the evaluation, please contact Caitlin Howley at caitlin.howley@icf.com.
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Meet the Youngest First2 Network Member
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First2 Network is excited to welcome the newest member of our family! Congratulations to Jade Irving, First2 Network Program Coordinator, on the recent arrival of Julian “Jules” Leon Irving, II, born September 27, 2021. Wishing Jade and her family all the best as they enjoy this special time.
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First2 Network Spotlight: Beth Thompson
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Beth Thompson started work in early August as First2 Network Grant Manager, working with Dr. Erica Harvey at Fairmont State University. She is taking on the role that was previously filled by Sean Harwell, who is chasing his professional dreams in Colorado. Beth’s former higher education work experience is broad and diverse and includes teaching numerous math and science courses, as well as creating innovative programs and bringing them to scale rapidly. She is particularly proud of her work developing the Math Support Program and inaugural Tutoring & Testing Center (now the LEAD Center) at Fairmont State. Beth is also passionate about community outreach and has extensive volunteer experience, including serving as a founding board member of an educational non-profit, as well as volunteering as a program director, grant writer, registration coordinator, instructor, coach, mentor, and judge for numerous events and non-profits. A first-generation college student herself (who completed a chemistry degree while preparing to give birth to her fourth child), Beth is excited to share her skillsets and perspectives with the network.
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Fall 2021 Virtual Convening held October 19 & 20
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Last month’s virtual convening brought together students, higher education professionals, and other industry and educational partners to discuss the conference theme of “Improving STEM Persistence in West Virginia: Reshaping the Narrative.” Convening content included presentations about promising practices, powerful student voice panels, networking and reflection, and more! Recordings of the sessions can be found on the website.
Mark your calendars now for the next First2 Network conference event on January 6-7, 2022! Details to follow.
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First Network Members Attend the West Virginia Science Teachers Association (WVSTA) Conference
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First2 students and staff joined science educators from around the state at the annual WVSTA conference at Stonewall Resort Oct. 28 – 30. First2 Network highlights included:
- A presentation from Sue Ann Heatherly, First2 Network PI, and Deb Hemler, College Readiness co-chair, entitled “Building Better Outreach to K-12 STEM Students.”
- A session by Aida Jimenez from the University of Charleston, during which she gave several shout-outs to the work bring done by First2 Network. Dr. Jimenez discussed UC’s Scholars Program for Environmental Challenges Scholarship, which is offered through a partnership with the National Science Foundation and provides funding, professional development, and early hands-on research opportunities for twelve students each year. More information can be found here.
- Sessions covering undergraduate research for first-year STEM students, including one provided by Cinthia Pacheco and Heather Arnett that specifically addressed First2 Network’s summer research program.
- First2 Network was an exhibitor at the conference, with our booth handing out First2 swag, providing information about our ambassador program, answering lots of questions, and allowing K-12 educators the opportunity to meet some of our amazing student leaders.
Thanks to Ethan Endres, Maria Irfan, Alisha Joseph, and Alyssa Pettry for your professionalism, amazing presentation and leadership skills, and willingness to jump in and do whatever was needed to keep the booth running smoothly.
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STEM Starter Teacher Award
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Consider nominating an outstanding STEM middle school or high school teacher for our STEM Starter Teacher Award! This award was developed by First2 Students to recognize teachers that inspired, prepared, or supported them on their STEM journey. Nominations should come from First2 Faculty or Students. Award winners will be able to attend a state-level conference in their field at no cost to them – First2 will cover the expenses. For more information and/or to access the nomination form, see our website.
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Idaho, AWS and Intuit featured at IAB Meeting
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At their September meeting, the Industry Advisory Board heard about a recent partnership between the state of Idaho and Amazon Web Services to offer curriculum, training and certification in cloud computing at multiple levels and institutions in the state. Kaitlin Maguire, Executive Director of the Idaho STEM Action Center, and Monica Beane and Rebecca Allyn from Amazon Web Services (AWS) discussed the way the partnership was developed and the connections with employers and industry that drove it.
The meeting also featured a presentation by Josh Phelon of Intuit about the ways that Intuit works with K12 and higher education to help student get career ready, including the promotion of design thinking and a simulated workplace program as well as engaging pathways for students to learn personal finance.
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High Rocks Receives Grant from Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
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Congratulations to our partner, High Rocks Educational Corporation, who recently received over $1.4 million from ARC to create the West Virginia Jobs Network! For details about this exciting economic partnership, check out this recent news article.
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