The STEMM Opportunity Alliance is a network of hundreds of cross-sector Partners working together to achieve change. SOA’s approach brings together independent ecosystems of experts and practitioners together – across informal and formal learning, post-secondary training and education, research and development, innovation, and workforce – to align, coordinate, and share. 

SOA Partners are enacting a community-developed National Strategy created to serve as a roadmap to educating, nurturing, and supporting a STEMM economy that represents the rich tapestry of America to fuel our future. 

The SOA is organized into action teams, led by Anchor Partners and aligned with six core focus areas: 

• Engagement: Connecting with STEMM early and throughout childhood, in and out of school, to nurture curiosity and open pathways to future opportunities 

• Inspiration: Training and retaining skilled educators, in both in- and out-of-school learning environments, to educate and inspire the next generation 

• Discovery: Creating opportunity for all in higher education and postsecondary training 

• Innovation: Tapping into the unique brainpower hosted within the U.S. to maximize innovation 

• Opportunity: Providing support to ensure all workers can contribute to STEMM innovation 

• Strategic Communications: Shaping narratives and media messages about STEMM excellence 

When new Partners first join the coalition, they identify their alignment with the national strategy focal areas and commit existing and future programs, initiatives and funding toward this work. They participate in SOA Action Teams related to their areas of alignment and commitment, each led by an Anchor Partner. AAAS serves as the backbone organization to support the network – coordinating the coalition, offering shared logistics and resources, and maintaining alignment across the shared goals.  

Through the Partners’ coordination, SOA aims to create an impact greater than the sum of its parts.