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State of Nevada Seal Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology

Overview of OSIT's STEM Initiatives

Nevada State Definition of STEM

Education that focuses on active teaching and learning, centered on relevant experiences, problem solving, and critical thinking processes. STEM education emphasizes the natural interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and their connection to other disciplines, to produce informed citizens that possess and apply the necessary understandings to expand Nevada's STEM-capable workforce in order to compete in a global society.

Pathways to Success 2017- 2019

OSIT's STEM initiatives fall into one of the following six categories:

  1. Developing teacher knowledge, capacity, and confidence in STEM
  2. Creating a cadre of STEM schools that are models of high-quality STEM instruction
  3. Supporting the development of programs of study leading to high-demand credentials
  4. Supporting the use of high-quality STEM curriculum and resources in the classroom and after school
  5. Increasing Nevada's STEM workforce development capacity to meet the needs of employers
  6. Increasing collaboration between industry, education, and state government

STEM Teacher / Advocate of the Year Award 2025-2026

 

OSIT seeks to recognize and celebrate Nevada’s incredible STEM teachers and advocates. Applications and nominations for these awards are open now!

Applications are due December 1, 2025. 

STEM Teachers are defined as certified teachers currently employed at a Nevada school and teaching high-quality STEM to students. 

STEM Advocates are defined as individuals working to advance high-quality STEM through outreach, hands-on experiences, or advocacy. Advocates may include (but are not limited to) volunteers, non-certified school staff, administrators, or employees of non-profit or informal education organizations.

Awards

Each region’s (Northwestern, Rural, and Southern) STEM Network Committee, along with OSIT, will score applications to select one STEM Teacher of the Year and one STEM Advocate of the Year. These regional winners will receive a $250 stipend* and a highlight on OSIT’s social media. 

From the regional winners, OSIT will select one State STEM Teacher of the Year and one State STEM Advocate of the Year. These two winners will each receive a $1,000 stipend*, an OSIT swag bag, and an invitation to OSIT’s annual recognition ceremony with the Governor. 

*Note: Registration as a Vendor with the State Controller’s Office is required to receive a stipend. 

2025-2026 Application Documents

STEM Teacher of the Year Application

STEM Teacher of the Year Scoring Rubric 

STEM Advocate of the Year Application

STEM Advocate of the Year Scoring Rubric

Nominate an incredible STEM teacher or advocate by November 21, 2025: https://forms.gle/iiuyDSUuE4CJg6ZM7

Send any questions or concerns to T.Howard@gov.nv.gov.