February 2021 C-STEM Newsletter

Message from Dr. Reagan Flowers

Science Careers Still Greatly Lack Diversity

As a community focused on improving underserved students’ opportunities, we are all keenly aware of the lack of women and Black scientists. However, every time I dig in and look at the numbers, they are still overwhelming. There is simply more to be done. We’re continually taking steps forward, but turning around a situation that has been vastly inequitable for so long takes unwavering commitment over many years. Read the Full Article…

C-STEM Programs

Upcoming Deadlines

Take action!

Watch this section for great opportunities that close soon. Keep reading the stories below for more information on these opportunities.

United States Naval Academy High School Girls Only STEM Night and Astronaut Convocation
March 4 event – Register in at advance

Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship
Applications due April 1
Apply here

Adapt2 Solutions Virtual Energy Activity Sessions
March 11 & 27, April 11
Sign up here

This Month's Highlights

Don't Miss the C-STEM Challenge Kick-0ff This Saturday

As the pandemic continues, we are still developing ways to engage students in hands-on learning activities while keeping them safe. We’re excited to bring back our virtual C-STEM Challenge Kick-off this Saturday during National Engineers Week.

Virtual C-STEM Challenge Kick-off
Sat., Feb. 27, 12:00 -1:00 PM

View Here

Thank You!!!

THANK YOU to all who made our virtual Holiday Social a success last month. Following a difficult year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, your support of our postponed 2020 event meant the world to us.  In total, we raised $18,863.25!

Despite the economic and logistical challenges of last year, C-STEM is continuing its work to fill in the gaps left by closed/changed schools and virtual learning. Your donations help to ensure that C-STEM is able to put STEM learning within every child’s reach throughout the pandemic and beyond.

We also want to once again thank Gulf Coast Modern Quilt Guild, who donated a beautiful quilt, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.  At the event, the drawing for the Apollo quilt raised $4,500! This will support our efforts in a significant way over the coming months.

If you were unable to attend our Holiday Social, there are still a couple ways you can help:

  1. Many of us are doing a lot of our shopping online these days. You can help us by shopping on Amazon Smile and making C-STEM your benefiting charity, or by using this link: smile.amazon.com
  2. Spread the word about our programs and opportunities to your network of family, friends, & colleagues who (like you) have a passion for supporting student achievement and success! 

Executive Board Member Palmer Leads with Purpose

The members of the C-STEM Executive Board play a key role in ensuring we continue our mission. This month, we’d like to highlight one of these outstanding leaders, Kristal Palmer.

From her start at Verizon through the Retail Leadership Development Program, Kristal took advantage of an amazing opportunity to showcase her ability to learn, grow and thrive in business.

Throughout Kristal’s career, she has continually exceeded targets, creating client relationships that have yielded high-level contract wins and new revenue. After providing strong leadership in six sales roles. In October, she was promoted to Associate Director of Public Sector to lead the Dallas Fort Worth, Oklahoma, and Kansas metroplex teams.

Kristal’s attributes her success to a keen ability to build trusted relationships, a skill that is particularly useful in securing government contracts. She is intentional in her pursuit to become a meaningful part of the community through volunteer opportunities, board memberships, and serving as a mentor. Verizon has been an exceptionally supportive partner for C-STEM, and Kristal has proved an essential addition to the board.

Kristal received her MBA from the University of Houston-Downtown and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas Southern University. She has been recognized for her accomplishments many times throughout her career.

Lockheed Martin Offers STEM Scholarship

Lockheed Martin has established a scholarship program to provide opportunities to students studying engineering or computer science that demonstrate financial need and come from underrepresented or underserved communities. In 2021, up to 200 renewable scholarships of $10,000 each are offered for full-time study at an accredited U.S. institution of the student’s choice. Apply here by April 1.

Dr. Flowers Leads STEM Panel During Black History Month

Earlier this month, C-STEM founder Dr. Reagan Flowers led a panel of accomplished Black leaders from various STEM industries. During the Feb. 23 virtual event hosted by GlobalMindED, panelists discussed breaking Black barriers in STEM to ultimately make a lasting impact.

Panelists discussed their personal experiences, as well as systemic solutions for improving equity in STEM going forward. Conversations like these are pivotal in improving STEM education, and C-STEM is proud to be included in efforts like these.

STEM Night is Designed for High School Girls

Registration is now open for the United States Naval Academy High School Girls Only STEM Night and Astronaut Convocation on March 4. During the virtual event, attendees will get to complete hands-on science and engineering activities from home. They will also get to attend a livestream of the Astronaut Convocation. Sign up today on www.usna.edu/STEM

YouTube Channel Helps Mommas with Science Activities

Black Mommas do Science is a new YouTube channel dedicated to help with at-home learning. The creator focuses on getting kids excited about STEM. Check out a fun colorful eruptions experiment here.

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 a video from our 2014 C-STEM Challenge Day.

C-STEM Upcoming Events

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

We are C-STEM!

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Discover what C-STEM can offer you!

11th Annual State of STEM Education Stakeholder Breakfast

Please join us at The Junior League of Houston from 7:30-9:00 AM

11th Annual State of STEM Education Stakeholder Breakfast

Please join us at The Junior League of Houston from 7:30-9:00 AM