Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (a.k.a. STEM) is crucial to the functioning of today’s society. However, as we might all be aware by now, community access to STEM opportunities from pioneers — especially those from research institutions like the University of Washington, Seattle (UW) — has not been consistent over the years. In 2020, we sought input from several students and faculty (from high schools and the UW) to start laying foundations for a rigorous grassroots program that facilitates participation from both sides. Following several virtual and in-person activities since then, and adapting and evolving using feedback, we are proud to say that our momentum is ever-increasing, and that the machines behind the scenes are churning even harder to broaden and effectivize our impact. We attribute a considerable amount of our success to the exposure and funding generously granted by to UW MEM-C.
We organize and host a variety of activities including (but not restricted to):
- STEM demos, games, competitions, and lab tours with discussions on relevant concepts and small-group activities.
- Presentations on social aspects of STEM: personal life, diversity, career, internships, research and college admissions, life, and other crucial topics followed by informal discussion sessions.
- Mentorship between college-attending STEMentors and small groups of STEMentees (students).
All this is done with the intent of empowering, encouraging, and inspiring students — particularly those from underserved public high schools — to pursue STEM-related activities/education post-graduation. We hope that this will complement STEM teachers’ efforts to further student participation and enhance their education.
To this end, we need participants from all sides, whether they are UW students/faculty, or high school STEM teachers. If this cause of expanding STEM access to our high school students matters to you, and you are willing to participate in this initiative in any degree, please have a look at the Get Involved page! If you are uncertain, but are interested in knowing more about us, please contact us anyway and we will answer your questions to the best of our ability, even if it is over a call!
STEM Pals is a grassroots initiative that is not endorsed by, nor officially affiliated with any existing organization (including the University of Washington, Seattle) that is not indicated explicitly in the About Us page.
STEM Pals 