Washington, DC, USA [October 2025] – ACCU-SCOPE was pleased to participate in two important events in Washington, DC that underscore our ongoing commitment to strengthening hands-on science education: meetings with the Hands-On Science Partnership (H.O.S.P.) and the 10th Annual Convening of STEM Ecosystems.
Advocating for Science Education with H.O.S.P.
As a proud member of the Hands-On Science Partnership (H.O.S.P.), ACCU-SCOPE joined other member organizations in meetings on Capitol Hill to advocate for expanded support of science education in K–12 classrooms.
Our discussions with policymakers focused on two key priorities:
- Putting science on equal footing with math and reading.
When science is assessed and supported as consistently as ELA and math, schools dedicate more classroom time to STEM and invest in essential lab tools and professional development. Consistent assessment keeps science visible and valued, ensuring students gain the practical skills they need for future success. - Providing tariff relief for K–12 STEM supplies and lab equipment.
Recent tariff increases on essential educational equipment have strained school budgets, reducing access to microscopes and other hands-on tools. We encouraged policymakers to explore targeted, time-limited tariff exclusions or small business relief to keep science supplies affordable for classrooms nationwide.
We’re very grateful to Senator Susan M. Collins—for her leadership on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and her involvement with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee)—for engaging in these critical discussions and for her continued support of STEM education.
Hands-on science experiences inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence. They depend on teachers having the time, tools, and training to bring lessons to life. ACCU-SCOPE is proud to stand with H.O.S.P. and our industry peers—including Aldon Corporation, Carolina Biological Supply Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, VWR International, Avantor, Eisco Scientific, OHAUS Corporation, United Scientific Supplies, and many others—in ensuring that access to high-quality STEM education remains a national priority.
Collaborating Through STEM Ecosystems
While in Washington, our team also attended the 10th Annual Convening of STEM Ecosystems, a national network dedicated to strengthening connections among schools, communities, and industry to expand access to meaningful STEM learning.
The mission of STEM Ecosystems dovetails perfectly with the goals of H.O.S.P. Both initiatives recognize that successful STEM education requires a collective effort—where educators are supported, students are inspired, and industry partners help provide the real-world context and resources that make science tangible.
At the convening, educators, policymakers, and business leaders shared ideas and solutions for making STEM education more inclusive, hands-on, and connected to future career pathways. The event reinforced the importance of partnerships like H.O.S.P. that translate policy and advocacy into practical classroom impact.
Our Shared Commitment
At ACCU-SCOPE, we believe that hands-on learning transforms science education. Whether through advocacy in Washington or partnerships with teachers and school districts nationwide, our goal remains the same—to ensure that every student has the opportunity to experience science up close, through tools and experiences that spark discovery.
We’re honored to collaborate with organizations like H.O.S.P. and STEM Ecosystems that share our vision for equitable, engaging, and sustainable STEM learning for all.
Learn more about:
👉 Hands-On Science Partnership (H.O.S.P.)
👉 STEM Learning Ecosystems