A leading voice in the pursuit of democratized STEM Education to children of all age brackets, demographics, and economic backgrounds; STEM NOLA is championing a path for a brighter future filled with promise and innovation for America’s youth. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Calvin Mackie and Tracy Mackie, this prolific non-profit organization works diligently to spark a passion for STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in students toward promising careers in emerging technologies. As an organization, STEM NOLA is growing exponentially in size and influence, evolving through the STEM Global Action (SGA) program, a bold initiative that aims to revolutionize STEM education and inspire future innovators not just in New Orleans but across the entire country.
“Our kids must have skills to create and to innovate to excel in the 21st century,” Dr. Mackie states. “Exposure to STEM has to start early—at four and five years old—so it becomes part of their DNA. We’ve created what we think is the AAU of STEM, finding genius kids from cradle to career and putting them on a pathway to STEM careers.”
STEM NOLA strives to introduce all the wonders of modern sciences to students who otherwise might never find their knack. Seeking to inspire and motivate the thinkers and dreamers of tomorrow, STEM NOLA provides enriching STEM-based activities for students that stimulate their minds and imaginations. While instilling interest in the sciences, the program also provides a rigid structure and an interdisciplinary approach for students; building a framework of diligence and work ethic upon which they might build a future for themselves. The success of this approach has been overwhelming, as STEM NOLA has been able to deliver impactful, hands-on STEM activities and programs to K-12 students, families, and communities throughout the Greater New Orleans area, fostering an environment where young minds can thrive. Now with the STEM Global Action (SGA) program, that mission is going coast to coast with a focus on historically under-resourced communities, seeking to empower and equip girls and boys of diverse backgrounds with essential skills such as Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Community.
“We’ve created an intentional, consistent, and relevant community-based STEM engagement program that’s transferable, scalable, reproducible, and, more importantly, sustainable,” Dr. Mackie explains.
The fruits of that labor have been seismic and impactful. In 2023 alone, STEM NOLA and SGA engaged 28,614 students across 17 states, supported by 1,144 professional volunteers and 2,010 college student volunteers who contributed over 24,000 hours. Since its founding, STEM NOLA and SGA have reached more than 160,000 children, sparking curiosity and creativity in classrooms and communities nationwide.
“My ultimate goal is to have a million kids doing STEM on Saturday, every Saturday,” Dr. Mackie envisions. “Children in low-income urban and rural families can excel in STEM, but public and private sector leaders need to adopt the most effective teaching and outreach approaches.”
From a background of early academic challenges, Dr. Mackie knows firsthand the enrichment that a STEM-based education can bring as he ultimately graduated with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics before enjoying a distinguished career as a tenured professor. His work as an international speaker, author, and entrepreneur further demonstrates his commitment to education and innovation.
Supporting STEM NOLA and SGA is an investment in our children’s future and our collective national economic prosperity. By funding these programs, you are able to help shape a generation of skilled, innovative, and inclusive STEM leaders.
Join us in supporting STEM NOLA and STEM Global Action. Be part of a transformative movement that is defining the future and empowering the next generation of innovators, one STEM student at a time.
4910 Drexel Dr., New Orleans, LA 70125 | 504-391-0730 | stemnola.com
