STEMtember is our annual community awareness campaign dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. In 2024, we built upon our theme from last year, transitioning from “STEM is Everywhere” to “STEM is Everyone.” Powered by Google, this year’s initiative was all about creative partnerships and engaging activities that highlighted the importance of STEM in our everyday lives.
One of the most exciting moments of this year’s campaign was receiving a double proclamation from the Tulsa City Council and the Mayor’s office, officially declaring September as STEMtember. This recognition not only validated our efforts but also served as a powerful reminder of the community’s support for promoting STEM education. The proclamation emphasized the significance of STEM initiatives in inspiring the next generation of innovators and highlighted the collaborative spirit that drives our mission.
Throughout the month, we engaged our partners and the wider community with a variety of fun activities. One standout initiative was a photo contest in partnership with Gathering Place, where we encouraged individuals to capture and share their unique STEM experiences with the prompt, “Show us how you STEM.” This creative endeavor allowed us to celebrate the different ways STEM is integrated into our lives, fostering a sense of excitement around the subject.
We also made STEM accessible to families by distributing 3,200 STEM in a Bag kits at five locations, including four Tulsa County Park kiosks and Gathering Place. The kits, themed “Design a Hand Pollinator,” celebrated the science of pollination and the migration of monarch butterflies. Families were able to engage with the kits while enjoying the Self-Guided Nature Walk through the Helmerich Sky Garden, demonstrating that STEM experiences can thrive in outdoor settings.
Our Teacher Appreciation Night, held at Nothing’s Left Brewing Co., welcomed 88 educators from the Tulsa metro area to honor their vital role in fostering STEM learning. We partnered with local organizations such as USA BMX Foundation, Fab Lab Tulsa, Gathering Place, the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas (OERB), and Discovery Lab to provide resources and information that could enrich their classrooms. The evening featured games, prizes, and the chance to connect with various partners dedicated to supporting STEM education.
To further enhance our partners’ involvement, we provided both physical and digital resources to engage and share our message during STEMtember. This included a digital toolkit filled with promotional materials and TRSA swag bags containing yard signs, banners, and posters that our partners could display. This collaborative effort strengthened our connections and encouraged active participation in advocating for STEM education.
This STEMtember was all about building community engagement and celebrating the importance of collaboration in promoting STEM. By emphasizing that STEM is everyone, we invited thousands of individuals to join us in exploring the wonders of STEM. As we look ahead to STEMtember 2025, we look forward to enhancing the program and incorporating the “All are Welcome” feature of our phrase, reinforcing our commitment to raising awareness about the accessibility of STEM for all. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey!