#724: The Progression of a Research Practice Partnership from Opportunity-Based to Collaborative: Lessons from a Rural Partnership Centered on the Co-Design of STEM Curriculum

Although studies have examined the early development stages of Research Practice Partnerships (RPPs), there is minimal literature on partnerships in rural areas that have successfully evolved beyond these initial efforts. This paper explores the intersection between RPP development and curricular co-design, focusing on how these interconnected aims can be jointly leveraged to promote STEM education. We articulate the processes by which the RPP engaged in pre-development and development phases of curricular co-design, along with activities that helped align goals and accelerated movement from an opportunity-based to a collaborative partnership. We share lessons learned regarding cultivating and sustaining partnerships, particularly those that seek to generate inquiry-based curricula.