SCCMS is a convergence of alliances in STEM education forged over the past decade. Key among these are the former South Carolina Coalition for Science and Mathematics Education (SCCSME) and SC Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (SC LASER) a regional site of the National Science Resources Center's LASER initiative (1997-2003).
SCCSME, was instrumental in developing strong ties with NASA. Through the Linking Leaders initiative business, education and public policy leaders from South Carolina joined with NASA and the National Alliance of State Science & Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC) to establish a common vision for improvement in STEM education and to engage NASA resources in accomplishing its goals.
SC LASER brought together BMW, Dupont, Michelin and Progress Energy to impact K-8 science education across the state. With the assistance of the SC Department of Education and the NSRC, SC LASER developed and implemented Strategic Planning Institutes directly impacting school districts and Institutions of Higher Education from South Carolina and 11 other states.
SC LASER also developed ties with Clemson University's Call Me MISTER program and the Southeastern Consortium of Minorities in Engineering (SECME) to better engage underrepresented populations in science education reform.
