PEAC is a grass-roots STEAM learning organization which arose from a National Science Foundation project called – Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN, nsf drl #1612555). In 2016, RAIN began to organize and support innovative STEAM programs across SE. AZ. PEAC formed as the NSF funds sunsetted, and in 2026 filed for and was awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
PEAC’s coordinating team is made up of members who live in S.E. AZ and work for regional, state, and national organizations including: Center for the Future of Arizona (ASU), Arizona Science Center, Benson Hospital, Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration (IDIA), Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Education Foundation (SARSEF), SciTech Institute, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory-STARS, retired science educators from Tombstone and Willcox, U.A. School of Mining and Mineral Resouces, Cochise County School Superintendent’s office, Mat Bevel Foundation.
PEAC MIssion Vision and Value Document
Goals for 2026
| Goals | Accomplished |
| File and Receive 501(c)(3) designation | January 2026 |
| PEAC Coordinator Hired with grant funds (YAH! Cheyenne you rock!) | February 2026 |
| Set up 2026 Field Trip locations | March 2026 |
| PEAC Domain and Website setup | March 2026 |
| Plan and Host Annual Gathering (April) | April 2026 |
| County-wide STEAM Festival | |
| Innovative Teacher P.D. (annual fellowship?) | |
| Quarterly Newsletter | Started March 2026 |
| Reseach Grant Funding to support STEAM opportunities | |
| STEM Focused Art Competition |
