STEMtember: A Month to Celebrate and Inspire STEM Across Our Communities
by Levi Patrick, Executive Director
Nearly every headline about education reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen our schools. Excellent educators, high-quality materials, and well-resourced classrooms are essential; however, progress is remarkably slow. In the meantime, I am deeply grateful for the persistence and brilliance of our school leaders and staff who show up every day for students.
Some solutions extend beyond the school day. Students who engage in out-of-school experiences aligned with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks and envision themselves in careers where women and students from Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities are underrepresented. Hands-on, identity-shaping STEM experiences boost confidence, competence, and college readiness.
Research shows that for young people to develop a strong STEM identity, they need multiple, high-quality experiences inside and outside the classroom—in afterschool programs, professional settings, and with mentors who reflect their own backgrounds. These early experiences are transformative: middle school girls who try engineering activities are three times more likely to pursue it in high school, and students from all backgrounds gain confidence, problem-solving skills, and a vision for the future.
That’s why this month, across our region, students, families, educators, and community members are participating in STEMtember, a month-long celebration that brings STEM to life for everyone. From hands-on workshops to mentorship programs, competitions, and community events, STEMtember creates opportunities for young people to explore, engage with, and envision themselves in a STEM-focused future.
The stakes are high for Tulsa and beyond. STEM jobs are projected to grow faster than non-STEM occupations over the next decade, offering higher median wages. For the Tulsa region, this isn’t abstract. From aerospace to energy to health care, STEM drives industries that power our region. If our students aren’t prepared, our economy won’t be either.
Since its establishment in 2017, Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance (TRSA) has provided more than 1,000,000 high-quality STEM experiences for students across Oklahoma. This milestone is possible only through collaboration. Dozens of schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations are collaborating to ensure that STEM education is accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Together, this Alliance demonstrates what is possible when a community unites under a shared mission: to show that STEM is everywhere, STEM is everyone, and that every student belongs.
This month, that mission is on full display. Communities, including the City of Tulsa and the City of Broken Arrow, have officially recognized September as STEMtember, issuing proclamations that celebrate the value of STEM education and the educators, organizations, and volunteers who make it happen. These proclamations reflect the community’s shared belief that creating inclusive opportunities in STEM is essential for the future of our students and the economy.
To make participation simple, TRSA has launched an online STEMtember events hub. Visitors can explore activities happening throughout the month and access a free STEMtember Toolkit, including social media graphics, “STEM Happens Here” yard signs, STEM-themed t-shirts, and key STEM statistics. These tools make it easy for schools, organizations, and families to amplify the celebration.
STEMtember is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation. Families can attend workshops that spark curiosity, educators can host programs that build confidence, and organizations can open their doors to show young people what STEM looks like in action. Every experiment, mentorship session, or hands-on activity is a step toward a future where students are prepared to innovate, solve problems, and lead.
This September, let’s come together to explore, engage, and inspire. When every student belongs in STEM, we’re not just preparing young people for the future—we’re preparing the Tulsa region for the future.