STEM Santa Fe Nonprofit Brings Minorities, Girls to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

By WENDY KAPLAR

STEM Santa Fe works to give underrepresented students access to science, technology, engineering and math education and resources, with the aim of promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM fields.

The nonprofit focuses on equipping 5th through 12th grade students from Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico with the skills and knowledge vital to success in science and math through educational programs, mentoring and other free resources.

Students learn the concepts of potential and kinetic energy, velocity, friction, elasticitc and inelastic collisions by making roller coasters for marbles out of pipe insulation and masking tape. Photos by Kate Gomez.

Many students, especially girls, lose interest in STEM in middle school, said Dr. Lina Germann, founder and chief executive officer of STEM Santa Fe. The organization addresses this dilemma head on by supporting those students with mentors from their communities, giving them the self-confidence to take more challenging math and science classes. The ongoing support also helps increase the number of underrepresented gender and minority students entering college.

“We prioritize working with middle and high school students, particularly girls and nonbinary students, in our programs that start as early as fifth grade,” Germann said. “Research has shown that between ages 10 to 14, girls are at a sensitive age that can determine whether they decide to pursue STEM education. Therefore, we start early to give them the necessary support and inspiration to stick with it.”

STEM Santa Fe aims to bolster the formation of a diverse and inclusive STEM community for all of New Mexico. The organization’s curriculum is based on three pillars: project-based learning, hands-on learning and professional mentors.

Fostering a supportive community of mentors and peers breaks down barriers and stereotypes that have kept girls and nonbinary students gravely marginalized from STEM fields.

“I founded STEM Santa Fe because I was looking for a productive avenue to channel my frustration with science and math education in New Mexico,” Germann said. “I wanted to create a sustainable continued on page 14