Riverside STEM Partner Program

In Partnership With

The Initiative

Empowering Middle School STEM

The Riverside STEM Partner Program is a flexible support model for schools interested in starting or strengthening rigorous STEM opportunities. The goal is to lower the activation energy for teachers and administrators by sharing guidance, planning materials, coaching resources and collaborative support.

Teachers interested in starting or growing a STEM club, team, or competition program

Administrators looking to expand rigorous STEM opportunities

Schools that want to begin small and build sustainable programs over time

The Roadmap

Four Levels of Development

Level 1

Offering

Create an initial opportunity for interested students.

Level 2

Structured Support

Build consistency with planning tools, guidance, and shared resources.

Level 3

Access for Broader Participation

Expand access through recruitment, communication, and beginner-friendly entry points.

Level 4

Building High-Level Program Capacity

Grow long-term excellence through coaching, leadership, volunteer networks, and year-to-year continuity.

The Program

Available Resources

Science Olympiad Resources

These resources serve as a syllabus-style repository of teaching materials designed to help students study for Science Olympiad events.

Tally

Tally is a real-time tournament scheduling dashboard designed for FIRST LEGO League (FLL) events.

Scansheet

Scansheet is a simple and intuitive application that keeps track of attendance records through a QR code-based system.

Team setupSeasonal planningJudging prepProject guidancePractice structuresCompetition readinessClub modelsContest calendarsMeeting agendasLesson plansPractice routinesRecruitment ideasCompetition preparationEvent selectionCoaching structuresWeekly agendasLesson plansBuild-event planningTournament preparationVolunteer guidanceProject timelinesResearch question developmentJudging preparationPresentation practicePathways to advanced opportunitiesTeam setupSeasonal planningJudging prepProject guidancePractice structuresCompetition readinessClub modelsContest calendarsMeeting agendasLesson plansPractice routinesRecruitment ideasCompetition preparationEvent selectionCoaching structuresWeekly agendasLesson plansBuild-event planningTournament preparationVolunteer guidanceProject timelinesResearch question developmentJudging preparationPresentation practicePathways to advanced opportunities

Our Support

Start-up guidance and planning conversations

Sample agendas, calendars, coaching materials, and student resources

Collaboration with experienced program leads

Support identifying realistic first-year goals

Guidance for recruitment and family communication

Competition preparation models and judging practice structures

Connections with other schools building similar programs

Possible mentor support from partner organizations

TAiSE Grant Support

Riverside STEM Foundation may be able to provide TAiSE grants (Teacher Appreciation in STEM Education) as school-site matching grants while funding lasts. These grants may help support substitute time or hourly pay for teachers working to launch or strengthen STEM programs.

Funding availability and award amounts depend on available funds, site readiness, and alignment with program goals.

Ready to bring these resources to your school?

Our partnership kicks off in August. Because there is no formal application process or binding commitment, getting started is simple. Reach out today to gain access to the curriculum.

Contact Joshua Zonker at
jzonker [at] riversideunified [dot] org
to inquire and get started.