About the Minnesota Academy of Science
Originally founded in 1873 as the Minnesota Academy of Natural Sciences, the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) is a statewide 501(c)(3) organization formally incorporated in Minnesota in 1937.
OUR MISSION
MAS donated 500 acres of land to the University of Minnesota in the 1940s to help create the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.
MAS is committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in Minnesota by connecting Minnesotans of all backgrounds with resources and opportunities to engage in STEM learning, research, and communication—and to recognize excellence in these areas.
OUR VISION
A future where Minnesotans of all backgrounds have opportunities to engage in the STEM practices that will benefit their community, education, and career.
OUR PRIORITIES
As part of our 2022-27 Strategic Plan, the MAS Board of Directors has established the following strategic imperatives. These priorities guide our daily operations and planning for the future.
Develop a diverse and engaged pipeline of talented stakeholders committed to our mission.
Develop a balanced program portfolio that provides a continuum of opportunities and ensures continued relevance of the organization.
Develop a stable and predictable cash flow to enable program growth.
OUR BELIEFS
STEM literacy benefits our entire community. STEM practices encourage us to ask questions, seek answers, measure results, and make evidence-based decisions. STEM education opens the door to high-wage careers and job stability. Women and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) remain significantly under-represented in STEM careers. The best way to diversify the STEM career pipeline is to introduce students from these groups to meaningful and fulfilling STEM activities early on, and continue to provide STEM engagement opportunities throughout their education.
WHO WE SERVE
We serve K-12 and undergraduate STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, and SCHOOLS as well as STEM GRADUATES and PROFESSIONALS seeking to network and volunteer.
WHAT WE DO
Our programs include team competitions, individual research paper and project showcases, and mentoring and enrichment programs that promote STEM inquiry and research. MAS and our corporate sponsors give awards to student participants in our programs, and many students advance to national and international competitions.
OUR FUNDING
Our programs and operations are funded through the state of Minnesota, program registration fees, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and donations from people like you.
OUR CORE VALUES
INNOVATION – We cultivate and celebrate inquiry, experimentation, creativity, problem-solving, and discovery in STEM.
EQUITY – We embrace diversity as a strength and consciously work to be more inclusive, reduce barriers to STEM participation, improve access to STEM opportunities, and encourage STEM engagement for underrepresented populations through our programs and resources
INTEGRITY – We value truth and empathy, conducting ourselves honestly and respectfully.
COMMUNITY – We achieve our mission when we respond to community needs by developing STEM literacy, fostering relationships, and engaging our stakeholders.
WHO WE ARE
WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR WORK
Please consider supporting MAS programs. Thank you!
