The focus of this targeted TA is to build the capacity of early childhood higher education programs to support their students to implement and sustain high-quality inclusive STEM teaching and learning, ensuring that all young children can access and participate in STEM opportunities, especially children with disabilities. The goal of the TA is to support six higher education/professional development professionals in the implementation of learning opportunities focused on high-quality inclusive STEM practices. The TA will be driven by the need to increase access to and participation in STEM education for each and every child, especially those children with disabilities.

Goal of the Partnership:

The goal of the STEMIE Higher Education Cohort TA is to support each participant to embed learning opportunities focused on high-quality inclusive STEM practices into higher education.

By the end of their time in the cohort, participants will:

1. Increase knowledge of inclusive practices in early STEM teaching and learning as it relates to their coursework and practica.
2. Understand STEM learning trajectories that can be implemented into courses/sessions for providers to support STEM learning for all children.
3. Plan for embedding inclusive STEM teaching and learning into their higher education program.

STEMIE will provide TA to six early childhood higher education faculty/staff over 1.5 years from August 2026 to May 2028. Activities will include an introductory call, consultation with STEMIE’s team every two to four weeks (flexible based on program’s needs), quarterly Community of Practice (COP) meetings, and an in-person leadership institute (paid for by STEMIE and hosted in Chapel Hill, NC) between August 6-7, 2026. Participants will develop at least one end product that meets their needs (e.g., an assignment, syllabus, resource, etc). The table below provides information about the resources that the STEMIE team will bring to the early childhood higher education as well as the expectations for you and your program.