A Powerful Partnership for STEM Youth Engagement

New Collaboration Between STEM NOLA and ASME Empowers Future Leaders

In an exciting advancement for STEM education, STEM NOLA and the ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) have forged a transformative partnership aimed at inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators, creators, and engineers. This collaboration places a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and sustainability—principles that are crucial for fostering a bright future in STEM.

About STEM NOLA and ASME

Founded in 2013, STEM NOLA is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to engaging underserved youth in grades K-12 through hands-on STEM education. Its innovative, community-based programs inspire a love for science, technology, engineering, and math, empowering diverse thinkers and problem solvers. The STEM Global Action initiative extends this mission globally, promoting equitable and inclusive STEM education to drive youth empowerment and innovation.

The mission of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action is to expose, engage, and inspire future innovators, creators, makers and entrepreneurs through STEM-based activities and to opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

ASME, with nearly 100,000 members worldwide, is a leading professional organization committed to advancing mechanical engineering through collaboration, innovation, and education. The ASME Foundation amplifies this mission by funding scholarships and outreach programs that prioritize equity and inclusion, aiming to develop a skilled workforce equipped to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

ASME’s multiple program pathways in K-12 STEM education champion the power of being a problem-solver for good to more than 70,000 students annually, 71% of whom are from Title 1 school communities.

"For over 180 years, ASME has had a mission to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity. To do this, no great talent can be left behind. Every child deserves to be introduced to the wonders of STEM. And the world deserves and needs their contributions,” said Stephanie Viola , Managing Director of Programs & Philanthropy, ASME and Executive Director, ASME Foundation. “The breakthrough, hands-on K-12 STEM Global Alliance educational programs expand horizons and ignite imaginations. The ASME Foundation believes that first introductions to STEM are very powerful -- only they can spark the long journey to innovate a better world for all of us."

"For over 180 years, ASME has had a mission to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity. To do this, no great talent can be left behind. Every child deserves to be introduced to the wonders of STEM. And the world deserves and needs their contributions,” said Stephanie Viola , Managing Director of Programs & Philanthropy, ASME and Executive Director, ASME Foundation. “The breakthrough, hands-on K-12 STEM Global Alliance educational programs expand horizons and ignite imaginations. The ASME Foundation believes that first introductions to STEM are very powerful -- only they can spark the long journey to innovate a better world for all of us."

ASME members saw the chronic lack of diversity and equitable opportunities within engineering studies and career paths as a call to action. Seizing this challenge, ASME made the audacious commitment 10 years ago to bring engineering content and career exploration into classrooms across the United States.? With the support of the ASME Foundation and through multiple partnerships, ASME K-12 programs have reached 600K+ students to date, 58% from groups underrepresented in STEM studies and career paths.

“STEM NOLA and its extraordinary programs have created new dreams for young people who may otherwise never have discovered the wonders of STEM—and the world may have missed the life-changing contributions they will bring,” stated Oscar Barton, Jr., Ph.D., P.E. , dean of the engineering school at Morgan State University and a member of the ASME Foundation Board of Directors.

Pictured from left-to-right: Ashley Huderson, Ph.D, MBA , Senior Director of Student and Early Careers, ASME; Patti Jo Rosenthal , Manager, K-12 STEM Education Programs, ASME; Stephanie Viola , Managing Director of Philanthropy, ASME | Executive Director, The ASME Foundation; Dr. Calvin Mackie, CEO/Founder, STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action; Geraldine Gooding, D.Eng., M.C.P., M.S., Director, Engineering Education & Outreach, ASME; and Keith Miles , Director, Major Gifts, ASME.

“STEM NOLA and its extraordinary programs have created new dreams for young people who may otherwise never have discovered the wonders of STEM—and the world may have missed the life-changing contributions they will bring,” stated Oscar Barton, Jr., Ph.D., P.E. , dean of the engineering school at Morgan State University and a member of the ASME Foundation Board of Directors.

A Meaningful Visit

In July 2024, STEM NOLA had the honor of hosting ASME leadership, including representatives from the ASME Foundation, for a day of exploration and collaboration. Dr. Calvin Mackie, the visionary CEO and founder of STEM NOLA and STEM Global Action, welcomed these distinguished guests and showcased their shared mission to engage and empower youth in STEM fields.

The visit included a tour of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) facilities, where STEM NOLA conducts its transformative STEM Saturday programs. This initiative exemplifies how hands-on, community-based learning cultivates a passion for STEM from a young age, making vital educational experiences both accessible and impactful.

Since that visit, STEM NOLA and STEM Global Action have executed several events for thousands of students across multiple cities. Notable highlights include participation in the National Urban League Youth Leadership Summit at Xavier University in New Orleans and a STEM Fest in South Carolina powered by Clemson University, which engaged nearly 700 children. Another event in Atlanta, hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, drew over 2,000 registrants. These dynamic, hands-on experiences make STEM feel fun and accessible, ensuring the content taught is relevant to the rapidly changing workforce. Over the past 11 years, STEM NOLA and STEM Global Action have engaged more than 160,000 participants.

Shared Mission and Vision

At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to expose, engage, and inspire K-12 students through innovative STEM activities. Dr. Mackie envisions engaging one million children in STEM activities every Saturday, ensuring these experiences become integral to their development and future careers.

ASME aligns with this vision, driven by a mission to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity. They emphasize the importance of equity, sustainability, and the belief that diversity fuels innovation. Together, STEM NOLA and ASME are dedicated to building a more equitable and sustainable future, recognizing that solutions to global challenges require the full spectrum of human talent.

"In a world increasingly driven by innovation, our partnership with ASME embodies a shared commitment to empower young minds through equitable and sustainable STEM education,” said Dr. Calvin Mackie , founder and CEO of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action . “Together, we are not just cultivating future engineers and thinkers; we are igniting the potential within every child, ensuring that diverse voices lead the charge toward solutions for tomorrow's challenges."

"In a world increasingly driven by innovation, our partnership with ASME embodies a shared commitment to empower young minds through equitable and sustainable STEM education,” said Dr. Calvin Mackie , CEO and founder of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action . “Together, we are not just cultivating future engineers and thinkers; we are igniting the potential within every child, ensuring that diverse voices lead the charge toward solutions for tomorrow's challenges.’

Importance of Workforce Development

This partnership underscores the critical importance of workforce development. A strong foundation in STEM is essential for economic growth, and both organizations are dedicated to preparing the next generation of STEM professionals. As industries increasingly rely on innovative solutions to complex challenges, nurturing a diverse and skilled workforce is vital for sustained economic prosperity.

STEM NOLA’s hands-on, culturally relevant programs help students develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—skills necessary for success in the digital age. This interactive approach builds confidence and opens pathways to STEM careers that traditional classroom settings might overlook.

Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

Both STEM NOLA and ASME are deeply committed to addressing the diversity gap in STEM fields. By fostering environments that celebrate a range of voices and perspectives, they ensure all students have access to the resources and support needed to thrive. This shared commitment not only enhances innovation but also cultivates a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our communities.

The ASME Foundation focuses on empowering the next generation of engineers through education that inspires innovative ideas and sustainable engineering solutions. Their vision encompasses life-changing projects that benefit humanity, believing that the future of engineering hinges on harnessing diverse talents to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable solutions for everyone.

“With this collaboration, we are building bridges to opportunity, creativity, and a brighter, more inclusive future for all," said Dr. Mackie.

“With this collaboration, we are building bridges to opportunity, creativity, and a brighter, more inclusive future for all," said Dr. Mackie.

Looking Ahead

As STEM NOLA and ASME embark on this promising collaboration, they invite community members, educators, and industry leaders to join their mission. Together, they can create lasting change and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders who will shape a more equitable and sustainable future.

Here’s to a future where the combined efforts of STEM NOLA and ASME pave the way for a brighter world for all! Together, we can nurture a generation of innovators ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with creativity, equity, and sustainability at the forefront of their work.