The Innovation Collaborative, established in Washington, D.C., in May, 2013, is an outcome of the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded SEAD (Science, Engineering, Arts, Design) project. This project grew out of meetings co-organized by the NSF, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.​

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WHY
A major project of the SEAD Network was the call for and analysis of white papers related to current research and creative work across the arts and sciences. The Innovation Collaborative seeks to take this research and further explore its applications (and implications) for learning in K-12 classrooms and informal learning environments. 

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HOW
Drawing on the combined expertise of leading national arts, sciences, and humanities institutions, researchers, and practitioners, the Innovation Collaborative researches STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) in formal and informal learning settings. A focus of this research is how these intersections deliver vital creative and innovative thinking skills while teaching important content. The Collaborative also has begun its programming outreach to educators and administrators with its K-12 STEAM Teacher/Administrator Professional Development.

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By working continually to build shared vocabulary, goals, and strategies, the Collaborative develops rich mutual understanding and cooperation across disciplines and learning settings.

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WHAT
Since its inception in May, 2013, the Innovation Collaborative has accomplished many goals. Among these are:

• Conducted three rounds of strategic planning

• Developed ongoing, successful and productive collaborations among a number of diverse institutions and disciplines that support Collaborative goals

• Developed an active Research Thought Leader group made up of nationally known researchers representing the arts and sciences, as well as neuroscience and creativity

• Completed its multi-year National Endowment for the Arts-funded national research project. This project identified K-12 effective practices for teacher/administrator professional development and classroom implementation that support promote creative and innovative thinking at the intersections of the sciences, arts, and humanities

• Completed a two-year National Science Foundation-funded project, in partnership with Texas Southern University. This project, comprised of 70 leading STEAM Out-of-School Time researchers and practitioners across the U.S., studied where STEAM is in relation to serving all populations in Out-of-School Time and where it could head next.

• Has procured significant funding that is helping grow its infrastructure.

• Has successfully conducted annual STEAM Summits where educators, administrators, and supporters across learning settings learn and interact in relation to relevant STEAM topics.

• Is launching its national research-based K-12 Teacher/Administrator Professional Development.