At STEM to the Future, our mission is deeply intentional. We aim to inspire, motivate, and support Black and brown elementary and middle school students to shape the futures they envision for themselves. When I founded this organization, I made a deliberate choice to not use the word "empower." This wasn't a decision made lightly; it stemmed from a belief that our young learners already possess immense power within them. Our role is not to bestow power, but to assist in actualizing the power they inherently hold. The language we use—inspire, motivate, support—echoes our student-led philosophy, ensuring we step back and illuminate the brilliance already present in our students. It's about recognizing their capabilities and providing them with the tools and encouragement to see their own potential. This approach isn't just about teaching STEM; it's about affirming our students' right to dream big and equipping them with the skills to turn those dreams into reality. As we continue to grow and evolve, maintaining this core philosophy is paramount. We strive to create a space where every student knows their value, can see their future in the innovations they create, and feels supported in every step of their journey. STEM to the Future is more than an organization; it's a commitment to fostering an environment where the power of youth is celebrated and nurtured. #STEMtotheFuture #Inspire #Motivate #Support #YouthDevelopment #STEMEducation #PlantingtheSeed
Sana Hassaan
9mo
Hi Jacob, This is wonderful, wish you the best of luck with the determination and empowerment.
Yes --> Illuminate the brilliance already within the student!
Impact Ecosystem Builder | Founder | Attorney | Author
9moJacob, love this and everything STEM to the Future is working on. I may offer another perspective. I like the idea of empowerment—I like that it offers intentionality and speaks to sharing spaces, fostering belonging and encouraging others to stand/rise in those spaces. We use the phrase “empowering young learners to see themselves as problem solvers” to describe the ‘why’ behind our children’s books series— As ever, will take your thoughts into consideration and marinate on the wisdom. TY for sharing! ✨