More Than a Moment: Sustaining STEM Excitement Together

by Jaime Walton—Senior Program Manager

Every now and then, I get to witness something truly extraordinary unfold in our community. Think of those early mornings when dedicated educators arrive to prep materials before the school day even begins, the afternoons when passionate volunteers mentor future engineers and coders, and those powerful days when organizations generously open their doors, welcoming students who are just starting to imagine a future in STEM. The quiet, consistent ways our community shows up inspires student breakthroughs and sparks lifelong creativity.

We felt the full weight of that inspiring impact at our recent STEM in Motion Convening and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, surrounded by the incredible energy of more than 60 volunteers and partners, who collectively donated over 2,000 hours of service this past year. It was a powerful reminder that everything we do as an Alliance – every spark ignited, every pathway opened – is only possible because of the amazing people who make it happen.

From Cecilia Jimenez, whose spark was immediate and impactful, to our STEM Service Partner of the Year, John Zink, the honorees truly embody the heart of our mission. Behind every award, there’s a unique story of perseverance and determination, unfolding again and again across our community. Learn more about our inspiring volunteer awards.

The incredible energy and moments of connection power us forward, and it’s why I’m so excited about what’s just around the corner. We’re taking all that momentum and shared passion, and channeling it into something even bigger: STEMtember.

Powered by an ecosystem of dedicated educators, passionate volunteers, vibrant community groups, and supportive families, STEMtember is a month-long invitation to imagine, create, and connect. We’re providing over 3,000 STEM in a Bag kits across the city, hosting a special Teacher Appreciation Night for more than 200 educators, and launching our new “See It, Be It” campaign, designed to connect young people directly with real-world STEM role models. 

But here’s the thing: STEMtember isn’t about TRSA. It’s a living, breathing celebration that needs your energy. Whether you’re working in a school, a nonprofit, a corporation, or simply in your own kitchen, you have the power to bring STEM to life for a young person.

You don’t need a lab coat to make an impact. Here are a few meaningful ways you can jump in and engage:

• Host a STEM event – Gather your colleagues, church group, or team to host an event that sparks curiosity and creativity. We offer resources like our Family STEM Night Kit and STEM Experience Playbook to provide you with some fantastic ideas. 
• Share your STEM story – Whether you’re attending an event, mentoring a student, or geeking out over your favorite science podcast, we want to see it! Tag us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to be part of a wave of inspiration that reaches every corner of our community. To make it easy, we’ve put together a full Social Media Toolkit just for you—including ready-to-share graphics, customizable templates, and plug-and-post captions for everyone. 
• Create your own STEMtember moment – Host a STEM-themed storytime, visit a local gem like the Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma Aquarium, or Tulsa Air & Space Museum, invite a guest speaker to your classroom, or set up a backyard science experiment. Every little bit makes a difference!
• Show your Tulsa STEM pride with one of our t-shirt designs and a FREE “STEM Happens Here” yard sign – Wear your shirt to STEMtember events, the grocery store, your workplace, or anywhere you want to champion STEM education. You can pick up your free yard sign at the TRSA office inside the Tandy Family YMCA (51st & Yale)—no request needed, just stop by!
• Join us at our next STEM in Motion & STEMtember Kickoff on September 4 – Our community convenings are always free and open to anyone passionate about STEM education. We offer an exciting preview of what’s ahead for STEMtember, celebrating the incredible momentum of the past year and sharing ways you can make a measurable impact this fall. Please be sure to RSVP so we know you’re coming!
• Partner with us – To our schools, businesses, and community organizations: we’d absolutely love to work with you to bring STEM into your spaces in ways that are joyful, culturally responsive, and truly empowering. Let’s explore how you can become an official partner today!
• Become a See It, Be It role model – Your story has power, and students need to hear it. What do you do? How did you get there? What advice would you give a 10-year-old just discovering their love for robotics or chemistry? 

There are countless meaningful ways to make STEM feel fun, welcoming, and possible for everyone. Need a little help dreaming up an idea or looking for resources to get started? We’ve got you! Reach out to us at info@tulsastem.org—we’re here to support your vision and cheer you on every step of the way.

As Community Engagement Manager, my role is to help broker knowledge and spark action—and this, my friends, is your call to be part of something truly bigger. Whether you’re joining us for the very first time or have been with us for years, STEMtember is a chance to tap into your unique role in this incredible ecosystem. Tulsa’s future innovators are watching, dreaming, and waiting. Let’s show them, together, that STEM is everywhere, STEM is for everyone, and all are welcome.

My personal challenge to you:

Pick one thing you can do this STEMtember to help a young person see themselves in STEM, then go do it. And please let us know when you do!