Welcome to the C-STEM newsletter!

Since 2002, C-STEM has empowered students and supported educators through hands-on, project-based learning that connects communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In this issue, we share highlights from Q4 2025, showcasing innovation in classrooms, the impact of our community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities to engage.

October 2025 Issue

Help us Finish Strong

Fuel the Momentum - Help Us Reach Our Goal

Every year, C-STEM transforms the lives of thousands of students. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have already reached 74% of our $150,000 fundraising goal for the 2025–2026 program year. But we’re not there yet; we need your help to cross the finish line.

Ways you can support:

Share our fundraising link with friends, family, or on social media
Recommend C-STEM to your company's corporate giving or matching funds program
Donate as little as $10–every gift makes a difference!

Your gift directly powers:

Teacher Training: Groundbreaking professional development through the C-STEM Challenge.
Signature Toolkits: Hands-on materials for CTE, after-school, and out-of-school STEM programming.
Challenge Showcases & Competitions: Platforms for students to present year-long projects to peers, educators, and the community.

With your support, C-STEM continues to spark curiosity, fuel innovation, and open doors for the next generation of STEM leaders.

Be the reason a student discovers their future in STEM. Join us today!

Donate Now

Bring the NextGen Intelligence Presentation to Your Students

NextGen Intelligence: Bringing AI and Robotics to Life!

C-STEM's NextGen Intelligence experience introduces elementary, middle, and high school students to the transformative power of artificial intelligence and robotics through student-centered, engaging presentations.

There are a total of (4) presentation slots available for schools or organizations to fill. The NextGen program, sponsored by H-E-B, delivers:

Dynamic demonstrations of AI and real-world applications.
Live robot interactions, including humanoid robots that respond in real time.
School-level tailored content, from storytelling for younger learners to machine learning concepts and AI ethics for older students.

With NextGen Intelligence, students don't just learn AI; they experience its possibilities firsthand, sparking curiosity and inspiring future innovators.

To bring NextGen Intelligence to your school or program, please email [email protected].

Thank you, H-E-B, for your longstanding commitment to helping every community you serve!

Whittier Elementary School Gearing Up for the 2026 C-STEM Challenge

Our partnership with Whittier Elementary School continues!

The C-STEM Challenge Showcase is underway, with Whittier's National STEM (NSTEM) Honor Society students leading the charge.

**Save the date—April 1, 2026, in Washington D.C.—**for an inspiring display of student innovation.

This year's C-STEM Challenge theme, "AI and Water Management for a Better World," empowers students and educators to take on the role of thought leaders in tackling one of today's most pressing global issues.

A special thank you to Jonté Lee, C-STEM Lead Teacher at Whittier, for your outstanding instructional leadership and dedication to student success!

🌟 Ready to bring C-STEM to your program? Registration is always open for the Integrated C-STEM Training Institute, which offers curriculum, project materials, and IACET-approved CEUs for teachers, mentors, and community leaders guiding PreK–12 students.

STEM Education Insights

America's Literacy Crisis: Why the Latest NAEP Scores Demand Urgent Action

Written by: Reagan Flowers, Ph.D.

America’s 12th graders are facing the lowest reading and math scores in decades, a crisis with far-reaching implications. In her latest blog, Dr. Reagan Flowers explores the inextricable link between literacy and STEM.

Keep reading...

Celebrating “Becoming to Empowering: 400 Years of STEM”

Our recent “Becoming to Empowering: 400 Years of STEM” pre-exhibit community dialogue was a powerful exchange of ideas and inspiration.

The afternoon deepened understanding of the intersection of African American history and STEM, as well as meaningful conversations about the exhibit's significance and its connection to Project Row Houses.

Guests had the opportunity to hear directly from the exhibit curator, Seba Suber, and C-STEM’s founder and artist, Dr. Reagan Flowers, who shared the genesis of the collection and its powerful implications for Black innovation. The dialogue reinforced C-STEM’s commitment to the intersection of community, history, and the future of STEM.

Thank you to Project Row Houses for providing the perfect venue for our pre-exhibit dialogue event!

Interested in hosting a “Becoming to Empowering: 400 Years of STEM dialogue? Contact us at [email protected] or call 713-443-4521.

Join Our Mission

2024 Annual Report

2025 Stakeholder Report

Only one third of 12th graders are leaving high school with the reading and math skills necessary for college-level work.

Read the Full STEM Education Insight

Opportunities & Deadlines

For Students & Parents

Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe

Nearly a decade of work across disciplines creates a practice vibrant in research driven works that scrutinizes the mechanics of societal power and recognizes the triumphs of people of color. Mediums include printmaking, video, photography, fiber, and sculpture.

Learn More

For Teachers & Leaders

Job Opening: Textile Chemical Engineer - Space Systems

Oceaneering Space Systems (OSS) develops, integrates, and applies new and innovative technologies to meet the challenges of working in space. The team is seeking a Textile Chemical Engineer to become a vital contributor to NASA.

Apply Here