Economic & Workforce Development/STEM Education
The Foundation seeks to expand economic opportunity and enhance job readiness within Lancaster County. Local workforce development is critically important because it strengthens communities by aligning workforce skills with the needs of local employers. A well-trained local workforce attracts and retains businesses, stimulating local economies and increasing employment opportunities. The Steinman Foundation recognizes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. STEM jobs are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as non-STEM jobs—10.8% vs. 4.9%—between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Lancaster County STEM Alliance is a group of dedicated thought leaders who have a shared vision for the future of Lancaster County.
The Foundation launched and serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Lancaster County STEM Alliance. As a nationally recognized STEM ecosystem, the Lancaster County STEM Alliance (LCSA) is a collective of business, education, and community partners working together to connect our community and deliver impactful, equitable STEM experiences that build a talented workforce and ensure the long-term prosperity of Lancaster County.
Mission
Connect learners, educators, and employers to provide experiences in STEM for the benefit of Lancaster County.
Vision
Lancaster County will attract and retain visionary job creators, inspire learners of all ages to achieve academic excellence, and engage all its citizenry in building a prosperous future.
To advance the Mission and Vision, the Lancaster County STEM Alliance focuses on four key priority areas:
- K-12 In-School Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- STEM Career Exploration
- Out-of-School STEM Learning
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in STEM
By aligning our resources and partnerships with these priorities, we equip students, educators, and employers with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive and advance our mission and vision in the ever-evolving STEM landscape.
Investing
LCSA is dedicated to advancing STEM initiatives in Lancaster County through grant funding. Grants aim to support and foster innovative and creative STEM programs. Funding is available exclusively to nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organizations located within Lancaster County.
Connecting
LCSA leads innovative and creative projects to support STEM education and workforce development.
Aligning
LCSA collaborates with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to promote STEM education and career opportunities, while aligning workforce needs with educational programs. It also works to increase awareness of the importance of STEM education and careers by advocating for STEM initiatives and highlighting local success stories.
Advisory Board Members
The STEM Alliance is governed by an Advisory Board comprised of local leaders from the private sector, schools, universities, non-profits, and government. The Lancaster County STEM Alliance Advisory Board provides guidance and advice to The Steinman Foundation in supporting STEM efforts and helps to coordinate the community’s work in support of its shared vision.
Shane Zimmerman
Chairman & CEO
Steinman Communications & The Steinman Foundation
Dr. Michael Badriaki
Superintendent
Lancaster Mennonite School
Dr. Andrew Barnes
President
PCA&D
Dr. Robin Felty
Chief Operating Officer
Barley Synder
Lauren Frick
President
Steinman Communications & The Steinman Foundation
Jill Hackman
Career Pathways Coordinator
Eastern Lancaster County School District
Richard Heisey
Vice President of Product Engineering
CNH Industrial America
John Herman
CEO
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Jess King
Executive Director
The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement
Karen Knecht
Executive Director
The Lancaster Science Factory
Suzi Meyer
Chief of Staff, Culture + Initiatives
Rock Lititz
Willonda McCloud
President and Chief Executive Officer
Bright Side Opportunities Center
Dr. Keith Miles
Superintendent
School District of Lancaster
Dr. Ella Musser
Superintendent
Cocalico School District
Vanessa Philbert
Chief Executive Director
Community Action Partnership
Anna Ramos
Executive Director
Lancaster County Workforce Development Board
Dr. Pedro Rivera
President
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Ezra Rothman
President
EDC Lancaster County
Nate Scott
President & CEO
Cargas Systems, Inc
Michael Shirk
CEO
The High Companies
Matthew Stem
Executive Director
Lancaster-Lebanon IU13
Dr. Brian Troop
Superintendent
Ephrata Area School District
Heather Valudes
President & CEO
Lancaster Chamber
Dr. Lara Willox
Dean- College of Education & Human Services
Millersville University
Jens Weyant
Vice President of Product & Technology Development
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc
Kate Zimmerman
President & CEO
United Way of Lancaster County
LaNCaster County Stem Alliance: