Message from Dr. Reagan Flowers
Why K-12 Students Need to Learn Artificial Intelligence
C-STEM Programs
This Month's Highlights
Hess Corporation Launches Initiative Benefiting C-STEM
We have a little more information for you about the partnership with the Hess Corporation that we announced in April. Earlier this month, Hess officially announced its Learning for Life Partnership in conjunction with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative.
C-STEM is pleased to announce that @Hess Corporation social investment will fund its Robotics Prototype Challenge Program at eight schools in Houston’s Second Ward, Magnolia Park and Third Ward neighborhoods as part of the Hess Learning for Life Partnership.
In total, Hess Corporation is making a $9 million financial commitment over the next three years as part of its Learning for Life Partnership to fund educational programs and support services for children in three economically disadvantaged communities in Houston that are part of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative. Hess employees will also volunteer time and expertise to support these programs.
The Hess Learning for Life Partnership will benefit approximately 22 schools and more than 13,000 children from pre-K through elementary, middle, and high school in Houston’s Third Ward, Magnolia Park-Manchester, and Second Ward Complete Communities neighborhoods. The partnership expands the scope and reach of Hess’ LEAP (Learn, Engage, Advance, Persevere) educational program, a $7.4 million investment over the last eight years to support students in the Magnolia Park and Second Ward neighborhoods.
C-STEM is grateful for this incredible partnership, which will help us make a difference for so many local Houston students over the next three years. We look forward to all the great things we’ll accomplish together!
Volunteers Commit to Helping Houston Students Enjoy Summer STEM
Our amazing volunteers continue to give of their time this summer in helping package STEM toolkits.
Their efforts helped us provide more than 2.500 PreK-12 students a STEMtastic summer experience! We mailed out a STEM toolkit to each of these students.
Thank you for your continued support with helping us connect youth to the exciting world of communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (C-STEM)!
Students Innovate for Sheldon ISD Challenge Day
Despite a challenging year for schools, Sheldon Independent School District remained focused on its STEM program. The district recently completed its C-STEM Challenge Day. Eleven teams from five schools demonstrated collaboration, initiative and hard work in the following categories: robotics, sculpture, innovation, and computer programming. We are so proud of the amazing things they accomplished.
Creating Culturally Inclusive Resources
K-5 educator, entrepreneur and C-STEM supporter LaQuitta Barnes says she’s always looking for ways to promote culturally inclusive resources in the classroom, and to share historical figures and events often not emphasized in history books. That’s why she started the website Our History Told, where you’ll also find her book “Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community.” The book tells the story of racial segregation in America, focusing on the Black-owned businesses and residential hub located in Tulsa, Okla.
“Unfortunately, the story of Black Wall Street is readily known, but not discussed,” she said. “This year marked the 100th anniversary of the destruction of the town, and I was yearning for more information on how it was built, and not solely focused on the destruction. When trying to find a book that highlighted the essence of Black Wall Street, I had a difficult time locating a children’s book about how Black Wall Street was created, and the success of the businessmen and women from the area.”
She decided to fill that need by writing her own book. “I wanted to empower students to see the wealth and sense of community in this Greenwood District,” she said. “This book is my call to action for the youth to connect with their rich history and to highlight the importance of community and supporting each other.”
Our History Told is an educational platform built to shine a light on historical figures and events often overlooked in history books. “The goal of Our History Told is to bring awareness and spark discussion among families and communities,” Barnes said. “Through our literature, we plan to educate, inspire, and encourage learners to feel the pulse of history as it beats in their everyday lives. We serve as the gateway for learners to see how these historical events continue to impact their future.”
Barnes and her husband, a former student of C-STEM founder Dr. Flowers, are C-STEM donors and STEM advocates. “It is important to support C-STEM’s efforts to expose our children to educational opportunities in various fields catered to math and science,” she said. “Through my book and our website, we hope to empower our youth to learn from historical figures and events as they create their paths to success.”
Partnering to STEM the Tide
This month, we salute the channel owner and content creator Tara Davis. She recently helped facilitate the at-home Evelyn Ware Math and Science Institute Camp sponsored by The Ivy League Educational & Charities Foundation, Xi Alpha Omega and Sigma Theta Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Reliant.
We are honored that the organization selected Anywhere C-STEM Toolkits for this awesome summer learning experience.
Fundraiser Brings Fun, Fitness to STEM
Flowers Celebrates Juneteenth with Community
Blast from the Past
We get the biggest joy going back down memory lane. C-STEM has touched so many lives over the 20 years we have been serving communities near and far. It is our hope that this memory places a smile on your face and in your heart. This month, we’re featuring images from The Little STEM Academy White Coat Award Ceremony.
STEM News
Ways Schools Can Improve STEM Learning for Black Students
We Need Greater Diversity in STEM Education
Baylor Research Could Make STEM More Accessible
STEM Education Continues During Challenging Year
Endowed Professorship in STEM Established
Minority Students Receive STEM Grants
C-STEM Upcoming Events
Be on the lookout for the date of our 13th Annual State of STEM Education Stakeholder Breakfast. Details coming soon!
Thank You To Our Sponsors And Partners
Executive Board
Advisory Board
Michael Aldridge
Shomari Williams
Joi Beasley
Zawadi Bryant
Bobby Bryant
Lucy Bremond
Antonio ‘Tony’ Canales
LaQuita Cyprian
Laolu Davies Yemitan
Gayle Fallon
Ruthie Esene
Michael Harris
Renee Logans
David Medina
Antoinette Jackson
Scott Minnix
Dr. Sandra Saldana Ortega
Susan Taylor
Dr. Frazier Wilson
Syalisa Winata
Ross Peters
Dr. Robert Satcher
Charles Samuel
Miloni Shah
Cherrilyn B. Nedd
Dr. Martina Ogbonna
Dr. Letitia Franklin Ozoude