2015 Intel ISEF Educator Academy Pittsburgh, PA Presenters Name Title / Position Organization Month, Day 2014 Cora Beth Abel President & CEO, Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) May, 2015

“Why Fundraising for Science Fairs is Like a Science Fair Project!” Title / Position Organization Month, Day My thanks to Eleanor Tishler, MSSEF Vice President of Corporate Development, who created the forms in your handouts and developed many of the guidelines in this ShopTalk! © 2015 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

3 The “Fundraising” Science Fair Project! Ask a question, research the topic and create a hypothesis What local companies and organizations care about the future STEM workforce? Develop a Research Plan What are the fundraising goals, timeline and approach for each company, and who will lead the effort? Collect & analyze data to use in a presentation Prepare a Case for Support and pilot-present it! Draw conclusions that raise new questions – begin again!

4 Ask a Question & Research the Topic What local companies and organizations care about the future STEM workforce? Research Sources : Website searches Local Biz News STEM Trade Associations Other local science education organizations that post their donor lists Friends, parents (especially science fair families)

5 Create a Hypothesis In my LOCAL area, these organizations are likely to support STEM Education …and/or to partner with Science Fairs to achieve a common mission: Corporations - cash for operations and prizes, student internships, STEM teacher externships and special initiatives Colleges & Universities – scholarships, internships and partnerships for STEM teacher PD and student mentoring Science education organizations and museums – student prizes, internships, and mentoring programs, and teacher PD. Colleges: ADMISSIONS OFFICES STEM Companies: WORKFORCE Local Biz: COMMUNITY from the bank to the grocery store

6 Develop a Plan What are the fundraising goals, timeline and outreach strategy, and who will lead the effort? Create Committee/Select Chair Establish Goal(s) Develop Timeline Identify Donor Prospects Use the research list you developed in step #1 and build/expand relationships.

7 Collect & Analyze Data for Presentation Your Case for their Support! Request Letter Introductions & “Importance of STEM Education” Where, when, # of students, geographic area Contribution amount - operations/awards Donor recognition Thank you for your consideration; “I’ll be in touch” Include Separate Science Fair Fact Sheet Goal & Mission – Why Science Fairs are important History of Science Fair/student & school participation Structure, including leadership, committees, SciFair host Projected budget Sponsor recognition & employee volunteer opportunities Sponsor donations – payee, address, tax-exempt info Contact for further information Past Science Fair photos (if good quality)

8 ShopTalk Handouts Work on Your Plan! Overview of 5-point MSSEF Fundraising Plan Guidelines for Developing Plan Goals Fundraising Committee Budget Timeline Case for Support Worksheets : Budget Form & Case for Support Information about the Curious Minds Initiative (CMI) partnership & funding model.

9 Relationship Matters! “Success in nonprofit fundraising relies largely on connections made, swift follow-up and a strong belief in the mission.” - Habitat for Humanity VP Development

10 Relationship Matters Volunteerism is a great first step! Judges, Speakers & Parents can create links to corporate sponsors & the media.

11 Relationship Matters “Thank You” and “Please” are powerful words. Follow-up is Key

12 Relationship Matters Tell A Story that Will Be Remembered! Your Science Fair students have fascinating stories behind their research.

13 Relationship Matters Inspiring Students to Pursue STEM Encouraging Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Public Service

14 Relationship Matters Opportunities for Sponsor Recognition Fair Flyers/book Program Ads Signage Special Awards Website & Social Media Sponsor Banner Fair Media & Gov

15 Fundraising for Special Initiatives Support the Science Fair mission Foundation giving (not events) Create a model or address priority areas such as high- needs schools Programs with high-impact or leveraged impact on students in support of a common mission Partnerships enable larger initiatives

Curious Minds Initiative(CMI)  Tools & Resources for Schools, Students & Teachers  CMI courses for STEM Teachers increase teachers’ effective use of science practices – 6-year follow-up studies  Student Mentoring Program  Support NGSS “Next Generation” Science Standards © 2015 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF) GOAL: 35% Increase School Participation in MA Science Fairs by 35% over 5 years RESULTS: 45% Up 45% after 6 years 250+ teachers in CMI PD $2.2M+ raised Grants to 35 CMI schools Impact 50,000+ students/year Learn more at:

3 CMI Courses = 3 Steps to Great Science Fairs! Inquiry  Project-based Science  Science Fairs Complete all 3 CMI Courses to earn STEM Certificate in Science & Engineering Practices

Automates labor-intensive manual processes that are essential to science fair admin  Simple & user-friendly –wizard-like app for SRC  Communication between students, teachers and science fair admin  Secure data & data flow between components  Wireless transmission of judges’ scores  Training & support  Scalable model for use by other regions, states and countries. 18 SEFOS Science &Engineering Fair Online Systems

Stay Focused – Have Fun! Fundraising has its ups & downs! Stay upbeat Highlight rewards - working with SciFair students “Selling” an outstanding product Never forget -- YOU are making a difference! “Dry Mitt” glove to reduce arthritic hand pain Helping to Cure Breast Cancer

Work on Your Project! “Why Fundraising for Science Fairs is Like a Science Fair Project!” 20 Thank You for Your Participation in this Shop Talk! Cora Beth Abel, MSSEF Executive Director © 2015 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. (MSSEF)

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