FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Irvine, CA — October 28, 2024 – The Commission on STEM/STEAM Accreditation (CSSA) is excited to announce a groundbreaking strategic partnership with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This collaboration aims to develop the Accredited STEM/STEAM Continuing Education Unit (ASCEU) endorsement, extending the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training into the dynamic and fast-growing STEM/STEAM industry.

Through this partnership, CSSA and IACET will co-develop a specialized accreditation program enabling training providers to offer ASCEUs to students, educators, and professionals seeking continuing education in STEM and STEAM fields. The ASCEU endorsement will guarantee that professional development programs meet the highest benchmarks for quality, relevance, and impact.

Dr. Samy M. Sidky, President of CSSA, highlighted the importance of this milestone:
"The strategic partnership between CSSA and IACET reinforces our shared vision of elevating STEM and STEAM education worldwide. Together, we are shaping a future where education aligns seamlessly with industry needs, empowering learners of all backgrounds to thrive in these critical fields."

CSSA’s mission of advancing hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration is central to this initiative. The partnership will bolster CSSA's role in accrediting STEM programs across K-12 schools, universities, businesses, and other organizations, ensuring alignment with both industry and educational standards.

Randy Bowman, President & CEO of IACET, shared his excitement about the collaboration:
"The ASCEU endorsement is a pivotal innovation in addressing the professional development needs of the STEM/STEAM workforce. Partnering with CSSA enhances our mission of providing cutting-edge training solutions that meet the demands of these ever-evolving industries."

Supported by STEM Academy, CSSA’s research and training division, this partnership will integrate the IACET/CSSA STEM Endorsement standards into educational programs globally. By doing so, it will enrich STEM teacher development, enhance institutional offerings, and align with the highest international benchmarks for continuing education.

This partnership is a significant step forward in developing accredited, industry-specific training programs that adhere to the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training. It ensures that the ASCEU program provides clear, accessible pathways for training providers to achieve accreditation while delivering top-tier continuing education programs for schools, universities, and organizations worldwide.

Together, CSSA and IACET are poised to set a new standard in STEM and STEAM education, fostering innovation and excellence in professional development for a brighter, more sustainable future.For further details, please contact:


Dr. Samy Sidky, President & CEO
samysidky@cssa-us.org

About CSSA: The Commission on STEM/STEAM Accreditation (CSSA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), CSSA is dedicated to promoting excellence in STEM and STEAM education through accreditation, certification, and educational standards. CSSA works to ensure that training providers meet the evolving needs of STEM/STEAM industries. In collaboration with STEM Academy, a silver member of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) serves as CSSA operational unit for research, training, and technical support, CSSA ensures that all programs are evaluated and aligned with IACET/CSSA STEM Endorsement initiatives for Schools, university STEM programs and with STEM teacher professional development.

About IACET: The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), a not-for-profit organization, has been a leader in educational standards since its founding, pioneering the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) in 1968 to measure professional learning activity. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer, IACET remains committed to advancing lifelong learning by establishing research-backed, consensus-based standards for quality and supporting, through rigorous accreditation processes, a global network of training providers committed to delivering high-quality, transformative learning events.