Revised Final DeKalb CISTEMIC™ The National STEM District Model - May 12, 2025 - DCSD Board Meeting Archive

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Launching The First National
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STEAM District:
A Transformative Partnership Between
21stCenturyEd and DeKalb County School District

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 03

Our CISTEMIC™ Approach 04

Our Strategy 05

Our Impact 06

Our Plan 08

Our Pilot Data 08

District Investment 09

Cost-Benefit Analysis & ROI 10

February 11, 2025

Proposal for a Strategic Partnership between 21stCenturyEd and DeKalb
County School District to Launch the CISTEMIC™ Initiative

The future of education demands bold action. DeKalb County School District (DCSD) has the
opportunity to lead a national movement in STEAM education by ensuring that all students graduate
with the skills necessary to succeed in a world defined by artificial intelligence, robotics, automation,
and global connectivity. The CISTEMIC™ Initiative is not just another STEAM program—it is a
transformative strategy designed to integrate STEM literacy into every facet of the educational
experience, making it a core competency for every student.

The reality is clear: the workforce is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Studies show that 85% of the
jobs students will hold in 2030 do not yet exist. Yet, many school districts still rely on outdated
instructional models that fail to prepare students for a future driven by technology and innovation. This
is where CISTEMIC™ comes in. By embedding STEAM into district-wide strategy, building strong
advisory teams, and fostering community partnerships, we can ensure that DeKalb students are not
just prepared for the future but are shaping it.

The anticipated outcomes of this initiative extend beyond the classroom. A strong, district-wide STEAM
strategy will lead to higher student engagement, improved academic achievement, and greater access
to career and college pathways. Teachers will gain innovative professional development opportunities
that empower them to deliver 21st-century learning experiences. Community stakeholders—including
local businesses and industry leaders—will have a direct role in shaping a pipeline of future-ready
talent. And DeKalb County will position itself as a national leader in STEAM education, unlocking new
funding opportunities and partnerships that will benefit students for generations to come.

The question is not whether STEAM education is necessary—it is whether we are willing to act
decisively to ensure every student has access to it. The CISTEMIC™ Initiative offers DeKalb County a
blueprint for building a sustainable, equitable, and future-ready educational system. By investing in
STEM literacy now, we create a legacy of innovation, opportunity, and success that will extend far
beyond the walls of our classrooms.

This is our moment to lead. Let’s make it happen—together.

Sincerely,

Marlon Lindsay
Marlon Lindsay, CEO
21stCenturyEd

| Page 3
Our Approach: A STEAM District Initiative for DCSD
Project Planning

District STEAM Building
Strengthen/build STEAM STEAM Youth STEAM
CISTEMIC™ STEAM Advisory Offsite Stakeholder
the district Community Proclamation Council
Discovery Proclamation to Operationalize Relationships
STEAM Advisory VIsioning: Future
Vision
Team Search

Expand
Partnerships,
Refine and Drive
Phase 1
Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Vision

Stakeholder District STEAM STEAM Urgency STEAM Career
Project Charter Asset First Annual
CISTEMIC™ Overview Skills & Talent
& District Vision & Community Pathways and
Profile Mapping Inventory STEAM Fest
and Services Mission Action Plan Certifications
Planning

Project Initiation Project Execution, Monitoring, and
Control

DeKalb County School District (DCSD), in partnership with 21stCenturyEd, will establish a Comprehensive
STEM Education System (CSTEMES™) framework using the Collective Input STEM Integrated Community
(CISTEMIC™) blueprint to equip its students with 21st-century skills and workforce readiness to thrive in a
global economy shaped by AI, robotics, and automation. By integrating STEM literacy across the district and
its community, this initiative is the first of its kind in the country. It leverages existing partnerships and fosters
new ones to emphasize the urgency of STEM literacy as the third core literacy—on par with reading and math.
By doing so, DeKalb will be designated as a “STEAM District,” ensuring that ALL students graduate with
the 4Cs + 2Ps (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, problem-finding, and problem-
solving), essential for the STEAM education required to be globally competitive today. Our primary goal is to
create clear career pathways for the next generation of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners to
succeed in a world with intelligent automated machines. This CISTEMIC™ initiative will roll out in phases (see
map above), providing access to industry-recognized licenses and certifications that prepare students for work,
college, entrepreneurship, or service. Highlights include:

Strengthening District STEAM Advisory Teams to Operationalize the Vision and define a district-
wide STEAM strategy, ensuring that ALL students graduate STEM-literate.
STEAM Integration Strategy™ for integrating a comprehensive STEAM plan into the district’s
strategic plan.
Asset Mapping to capture and ensure access to STEAM resources early, often, and everywhere. The
asset map will be initiated by the CISTEMIC™ Team and passed onto the Youth STEAM Council to
refine, advance, and lead.
Skills and Talent Inventory analysis of area employers and industries will inform curricular and
certification/licensure needs, providing professional development for educators, community partners,
and educational advocates as a critical component to ensure alignment with workforce demands.
Curriculum enrichment through Pdgogy.ai™ provides AI-generated STEAM content that ensures
STEM Literacy enhances rigor and relevance through design thinking projects, aligning with career
pathways and preparing students `for the workforce, available in school, afterschool, and out-of-school
settings.
Designate as a STEAM District by initiating a STEAM Proclamation that secures and strengthens
community buy-in. To support this, the CISTEMIC™ Team partners with the District STEAM Advisory
Team to plan and host annual district-wide STEAM Fests, showcasing students' learning and the
skills they are developing for college, career, workforce readiness, and 21st-century success.
Stakeholder Collaboration/Book and Video Documentary is a community galvanizing initiative and
part of the “STEM Century: It Takes A Village To Raise A 21st Century Graduate” series. We will
capture the specific STEAM initiatives, partnerships, successes, and challenges in shaping a future of
STEAM in DeKalb.
| Page 4
Our Strategy: Putting CISTEMIC™ to work in your district
This proposal presents a bold opportunity for
DeKalb County School District to lead the nation
in STEAM education by ensuring every student ASCERTAIN ALIGN

graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in a
rapidly changing world. By 2030, an estimated 85%
of the jobs that Generation Z and Alpha will enter COMMUNITY
into have yet to be created. Yet, many school INVOLVEMENT

districts continue to rely on outdated instructional STRATEGIZE

models that fail to equip students with the skills they
need to succeed in an increasingly automated, AI-
driven global economy. If we want our students to
be prepared for the future, we must act now. STUDENT
ACCESS
TEACHER

The CISTEMIC™ Initiative is designed to meet this DEVELOPMENT

challenge head-on.

Our CISTEMIC™ strategy is multi-faceted (see diagram above). First, we ascertain the specific needs of
DeKalb County School District to ensure that students have seamless student access to STEAM and
CTE resources—whether in school, after school, or through out-of-school programs—using our AI-
powered platform, Pdgogy.ai™. Second, we align district goals with best practices in STEAM education
by helping shift their educational culture to prioritize hands-on, real-world learning through our teacher
development program, the Emerging STEM Leader™ professional development series. This ensures
educators are equipped to deliver 21st-century instruction effectively. Third, we strategize with local
businesses, industries, and organizations to foster community involvement, forging strategic
partnerships that provide students with meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and career-connected
learning opportunities.

Education, workforce, and economic development are deeply connected, requiring a collaborative effort
between schools and their communities. Recognizing that no two districts are the same, we tailor our
implementation to meet DeKalb County School District’s unique needs, ensuring that all students graduate
STEM-literate and workforce-ready. Through our partnership, DCSD will take the lead in shaping a
sustainable, future-ready education system—one that empowers students not just to navigate the future,
but to shape it. With our CISTEMIC™, we know that it takes a village to raise a 21st-century graduate, and
our work with school districts strengthens this village by developing and sustaining comprehensive
STEAM education built on the principles of access, culture, and community (see table below), creating
a system that prepares students for lifelong success.

Access Culture Community
We provide all students with ubiquitous We help transform the district’s We initiate a collective input process
in-school, after-school, and out-of- educational culture with 21st-century that unites key stakeholders to drive
school access to an academy of best practices for student preparation. meaningful change. Based on the
STEAM and CTE classes organized in First, we provide engaging STEMfests Collective Impact framework
career pathways and personalized for and teacher meetings to set the developed at Stanford University, this
the student. With new classes and context for STEM Literacy as an approach addresses complex social
experiences added as needed, students essential third core literacy. Next, we challenges through structured
will develop valuable employability skills facilitate teacher and administrator collaboration. We tailor each
and certifications, readying them for engagement sessions to understand implementation to the unique needs of
future work, college, entrepreneurship, your district and community STEAM your district and community—ensuring
or service. This ensures every student and CTE environment. Finally, we no two solutions are identical. The
gains real-world experience and a provide support resources and foundation of this initiative is
competitive edge in an evolving job services for you to implement a establishing a shared STEAM/CTE-
market. sustainable STEAM and CTE initiative focused agenda between your district
that starts in the district and expands and community stakeholders.
to the community.

| Page 5
Our Impact: Unlocking the ROI of STEAM District Strategy
Let’s Talk About STEAM Investment. If you’re a school district leader, you’re probably asking: “Is investing in
STEAM really worth it?” The short answer? Yes—big time. But let’s go beyond the buzzwords and
breakdown exactly why a structured STEAM strategy delivers serious returns for your district. At
21stCenturyEd, we’ve analyzed countless education systems, and the data is crystal clear: a well-integrated
STEAM approach boosts student outcomes, increases teacher retention, attracts funding, and builds
workforce readiness. Next, we’ll walk through the numbers and show you why STEAM education isn’t just a
classroom trend—it’s an economic game-changer.

1. Making STEAM Accessible Pays Off
The Claim: Boosting STEAM participation by 40% saves districts
Making STEAM $2.25M - $3M annually.
Accessible Pays Off Why It’s True:
More STEAM students = More funding. Federal grants like
ESSA Title IV and NSF allocations pour money into STEAM
programs.
Better student retention = Higher per-pupil funding. Fewer
dropouts mean more dollars staying in the district.
Fewer remediation costs. Strong STEAM programs mean fewer
students needing expensive catch-up courses in college.
What the Data Says:
Schools with STEM-focused curricula see a 20-40% enrollment
boost (U.S. DOE).
STEM-enrolled students generate $8K - $12K more per year in
funding (NCES).
Takeaway: Want to unlock hidden funding? Make STEAM core,
not optional.

2. Closing STEAM Gaps Saves Big on
Interventions Closing STEAM Gaps
The Claim: Strong STEAM programs cut Special Ed and RTI costs
Saves on Interventions
by $1.2M per district.
Why It’s True:
Early STEAM exposure reduces intervention needs. The sooner
students engage with problem-solving and analytical thinking,
the less they struggle later.
Special Ed costs districts big time. STEAM-focused schools
see fewer students classified as needing costly intervention
programs.
What the Data Says:
STEAM programs reduce intervention rates by 30-40%
(NBER).
Special Education costs per student are double that of general
ed (Education Law Center).
Takeaway: Investing in STEAM isn’t just about building future
engineers—it’s about cutting wasteful spending on remedial
programs.
3. Keep Your Best Teachers By Investing in
Keep Your Best Teachers By STEAM
The Claim: Districts with STEAM-focused PD reduce teacher
Investing in STEAM turnover by 30%, saving $2.5M.
Why It’s True:
STEAM training = Job satisfaction. Teachers who feel confident
in their ability to teach STEM are far more likely to stick around.
Replacing teachers is insanely expensive. It costs up to $30K to
replace a single STEM teacher when you account for hiring,
training, and lost productivity.
What the Data Says:
Districts with strong PD programs see 30% higher teacher
retention (NCES).
AI-driven teacher training reduces training costs by 40% (Gates
Foundation).
Takeaway: If you’re tired of constant teacher turnover, invest in
STEAM PD—it pays for itself.
| Page 6
Our Impact (Continued)

4. STEAM Pathways = Higher Paychecks for
STEAM Pathways =
Graduates
Higher Paychecks for The Claim: STEM-prepared graduates earn $10K+ more per year.
Graduates Why It’s True:
STEM jobs pay more—period. Employers are desperate for
STEM talent and willing to pay premium salaries.
Students with industry certifications out-earn their peers. Dual-
enrollment and high school certifications open doors to high-
paying careers.
What the Data Says:
STEM professionals earn $10K - $40K more annually (BLS).
Career-focused STEM high schoolers see a 15-22% salary
boost by age 25 (NGA).
Takeaway: Want to give your students an economic head start?
STEM is the way forward.

5. Public-Private Partnerships Are an Untapped
Gold Mine Public-Private Partnerships
The Claim: Districts leveraging industry partnerships secure $2M+
annually.
Are an Untapped Gold Mine
Why It’s True:
Companies want to invest in future talent. STEAM partnerships
mean access to internships, funding, and job pipelines.
Federal and private grants favor districts with workforce
alignment. Employers want graduates who can fill high-demand
roles.
What the Data Says:
NSF grants award 20-30% more to schools with industry
partnerships (NSF).
Corporate STEM investments exceed $1B per year (U.S.
Chamber of Commerce).
Takeaway: Build those partnerships—it’s free money and job
security for your students.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Money is on STEAM
Funding decisions are tough. But when you look at the numbers, investing in STEAM isn’t a gamble—it’s a strategic
move that pays dividends for years.
So, what’s the next step?
Make STEM literacy core, not an elective. More students = more funding.
Reduce intervention costs. Early STEAM exposure prevents costly remediation.
Invest in teachers. STEM Literacy through Emerging STEM Leader™ = higher retention & lower hiring costs.
Align with the workforce. Give students real career pathways by getting them ready for work, college,
entrepreneurship, and service.
Tap into corporate funding. Don’t leave free money on the table.

| Page 7
Our Plan: Positioning DeKalb as a National STEAM Leader
This proposal positions DeKalb County School District as a national leader in STEAM education, leveraging
its innovative programs to drive student success and workforce readiness. By implementing the next steps
outlined below, DeKalb can expand its impact, strengthen its STEAM initiatives, and set a model for districts
nationwide. The following diagram details the key actions needed to capitalize on this opportunity.

Next Steps to Maximize This Opportunity:

1. Officially designate DeKalb as a STEAM district.
2. Host a District-Wide STEAM Fest to engage students, educators, and the community.
3. Expand the pilot program to 25% of DeKalb schools.
4. Develop a STEAM Integration Strategy for each expanding school.
5. Enhance the core curriculum with enrichment, intervention, and Pdgogy.ai™ integration.
6. Conduct asset mapping to leverage existing resources.
7. Analyze skills and talent needs to align with workforce demands.

Our Pilot Data:
This proposal for DeKalb County School District builds on the pilot work currently underway with five schools,
laying the foundation for a district-wide STEAM transformation. By scaling these efforts, DeKalb will
strengthen its commitment to STEM literacy, workforce readiness, and educational innovation. With strategic
implementation, the district will serve as a national model for STEAM integration and student success. Click
on the following links to access the pilot data and the initial CISTEMIC™ profile for DeKalb County that will
guide the work of the CISTEMIC™ Initiative.

DSCD STEAM Integration Pilot Results:

DSCD Pilot Snapshot
STEM Integration Continuum Detailed Report™
CISTEMIC™ Profile

In conclusion, by expanding on the pilot's success and implementing a district-wide STEAM strategy, DeKalb
has the opportunity to lead the nation in STEAM education, workforce preparation, and innovation. Through a
collaborative approach, students, educators, and community stakeholders will benefit from a robust, future-
focused STEAM ecosystem that prepares the next generation for success.

Now is the time for action—victory goes to the swift. By embracing these next steps, DeKalb can solidify its
reputation as a leader in STEAM education and workforce preparation.

Contact:
Marlon Lindsay, CEO
Email: mlindsay@21stCentEd.com
Phone: 201.293.9882

| Page 8
Investment: DeKalb as a National STEAM Leader

CISTEMIC™: DeKalb, A STEAM District Quantity Unit Price Invest

Stakeholder Collaboration: Book and Video 1 $295,000 $‎295,000

STEAM District Proclamation and Community STEMxpo™ 1 $180,000 $180,000

Asset Mapping with Skills and Talent Needs Analysis 1 125,000 $125,000

STEAM Integration Strategy™ 1 $50,000 $51,375

STEAM Integration Continuum™ + SIP Alignment 130 $7,500 $975,000

Pdgogy.ai™ 13 $104,125 $1,353,625

Total Year One STEAM District Investment $2,980,000

The investment in DeKalb as a STEAM district will comprehensively impact outcomes
for the district and all its systems. The following page will show a cost-benefit analysis
plus a significant potential return on investment. Essentially, the financial impact on the
budget will be offset by tangible and intangible impacts on student outcomes, teacher
satisfaction & retention, and the long-term impact on the Dekalb County economy.

| Page 9
Cost Benefit Analysis & Return On Investment (ROI) Potential
Cost-Benefit Analysis ROI Justification

3-4x ROI: Improves attendance funding, reduces interventions, and Attendance funding boosts revenue; less
enhances student retention. reliance on external interventions.

4-5x ROI: Reduces achievement gaps, quantifies per-student dollar Higher student performance closes gaps,
benefits. increasing funding opportunities.

5-6x ROI: Enhances workforce readiness, connects students to lucrative Workforce readiness ensures student
career paths. success in high-paying careers.

6x ROI: Lowers recruitment costs, improves retention, and raises teacher Retained teachers reduce hiring and
satisfaction. onboarding expenses.

3-4x ROI: Improves STEAM participation rates, leading to increased student Hands-on engagement attracts funding and
funding. reduces remediation needs.

4-5x ROI: Boosts student confidence, reduces dropout rates. Inclusive environments boost performance
and reduce societal costs.

5-6x ROI: Increases teacher effectiveness and satisfaction, reducing Effective teachers create compounding
turnover costs. benefits across school systems.

5-7x ROI: Future-proofs students, reducing remediation costs at higher STEM literacy future-proofs students for a
levels. rapidly changing economy.

7-8x ROI: Drives partnership value and attracts additional funding and Partnerships yield grants, sponsorships, and
grants. in-kind contributions.

5x ROI: Improves program efficiency, reduces redundant efforts, and tracks Data-driven insights justify program
success metrics. expansion and additional funding.

4-5x ROI: Enhances SEL outcomes, reducing long-term societal costs. SEL reduces future costs associated with
behavioral issues.

3-4x ROI: Engages students, increasing retention and lowering intervention Engaged students are less likely to drop out,
costs. reducing lost funding.

4x ROI: Real-world applications increase student motivation and long-term Motivated students drive long-term
outcomes. performance improvements.

5x ROI: Boosts digital engagement and participation metrics. Digital platforms improve metrics that
directly tie to funding.

4-5x ROI: Personalized pathways reduce disengagement and retention Tailored approaches reduce waste and
challenges. enhance learning outcomes.

4x ROI: Flexible scheduling lowers absenteeism rates and improves Flexible options keep students engaged,
funding stability. boosting school performance.

3x ROI: Ensures learning continuity, reducing the need for remediation. Accessibility ensures students stay on track,
avoiding costly interventions.

4x ROI: Engaging content increases attendance, leading to better Content that resonates with students
outcomes. reduces dropouts.

5-6x ROI: Blended models improve adaptability, reducing intervention Blended approaches meet diverse needs,
needs. cutting future intervention costs.

4x ROI: Self-paced recovery reduces repeat course costs and improves Self-paced systems avoid repeat
retention. enrollments, improving budget efficiency.

4-5x ROI: Adaptive pathways improve outcomes, reducing long-term Adaptive models reduce disparities,
intervention costs. improving graduation rates.

4-6x ROI: Extended learning increases pass rates and academic After-hours support ensures academic
performance. success across the board.

5x ROI: Comprehensive systems lower dropout rates and support at-risk Proactive measures reduce systemic issues
students. tied to dropouts.

Feedback loops optimize resources,
5-7x ROI: Iterative feedback improves efficiency and program outcomes. enhancing overall ROI.

Efficient classrooms save time, boosting
3-4x ROI: Reduced classroom disruptions improve focus and efficiency. learning outcomes.

4x ROI: SEL programs reduce disciplinary referrals and long-term societal Emotional regulation creates a safe and
costs. effective learning space.

3x ROI: Collaboration tools improve team effectiveness and project Collaborative projects teach skills that
outcomes. improve long-term teamwork success.

4x ROI: Proactive behavior management reduces incidents and intervention Lower behavior incidents create cost
costs. savings on interventions.

4-5x ROI: Confidence-building activities increase participation and Confidence-focused programs reduce
academic success. dropout risks and improve outcomes.
Early. Often. Everywhere!

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