Northwestern and Evanston/Skokie School District 65 announced plans to create a new partnership office focused on strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs in local schools.

The new office was inspired by the Evanston Partnership Office launched at Evanston Township High School in 2012, which also focuses on improving STEM initiatives as well as those in the arts, according to a District 65 news release. Its goal will be to increase in-school and after-school programming for the school’s STEM programs, as well as offer more teaching and mentorship opportunities to NU faculty and students.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to work even more closely with our colleagues at Northwestern to integrate best practices in STEM teaching and learning,” District 65 Superintendent Paul Goren said in the release. “Through the new partnership office, we will have the unique ability to enhance both academic and social emotional growth for our youngest learners all the way to the graduate students studying at Northwestern.”

The partnership office will be located in the Joseph E. Hill Education Center, 1500 McDaniel Ave., but it will work directly with teachers and students throughout the district, according to the release. The district plans for the office to be staffed by a single partnership coordinator who will serve as the “single point-of-contact” between NU and district administrators.

The coordinator position is expected to be posted in June, and the office opening is planned for fall 2016.

“This office will strengthen our entire community by connecting our faculty and leading research with the dedicated teachers, students, staff, and parents of District 65,” Nim Chinniah, NU’s executive vice president, said in the release. “Together, we will accelerate learning opportunities for Evanston’s youth that will lead them to success in high school, college, and beyond.”

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