ABOUT US

LA STEM is a collective that serves as the STEM Ecosystem for Los Angeles, bringing together education organizations (formal, informal, out-of-school, and higher education), civic, business, and industrial sectors in amplifying STEM education for children and youth in Los Angeles, especially those from marginalized or under-resourced communities, opening access to STEM learning for all.

Mission

Collaborating to provide the young people of Greater LA equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, opportunities, and resources.

Vision

A Greater Los Angeles where all learners have the opportunity to become creative, critical thinkers, and doers.

Our Values

We design for the margins, ensuring that NO ONE is excluded from the opportunities we provide. We recognize the historical inequities of access to STEM learning experiences. We seek to address those inequities by having an Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) plan that is actionable, results-focused, and reviewed regularly by the members to maximize effectiveness and accountability.

We respect our constituent communities. We use asset-based language to describe the communities we serve. We are consistent in how we talk with funders, member organizations, educators, coordinators, and learners.

We are thoughtful and intentional about providing culturally relevant experiences for our constituents and members. We measure our impact through data and evaluation. We hold ourselves accountable and take corrective action when needed. Our commitment is to provide quality STEM experiences.

We recognize the value of all voices. We know that we are stronger together and greater than the sum of our parts. By working collectively, we provide a more diverse range of experiences for our constituents, and we build the sector by supporting continued learning and professional development. Focusing especially on learners from marginalized or under-resourced communities, we amplify access to STEM learning for all.

 

LA STEM is a model of STEM learning that expands experiences beyond the traditional approaches of institutionalized learning. We support the activities and aspirations of learners and the communities that they live in offering programming that is:

 

– Provider Led

– Diverse

– Collaborative

 

LA STEM envisions a region where everyone can nurture their creative and critical thinking, where STEM facilitates social and emotional connections, and where the world looks to emulate LA STEM’s model. Through the collaboration of resources afforded by an ecosystem, that we will fulfill our mission and see a Los Angeles full of joyful children and youth who are excited, confident and prepared to chart any future they want, affecting their own lives and the future of their communities and the world.

We think the world can be a better place. We think STEM can help us get there. We strive to inspire more STEM-literate youth and share our methods as a model for others.

Our Members

LA STEM is comprised of more than 80 STEM organizations from across Greater Los Angeles, ranging from large science museums, to university programs, to non-profits and community-based organizations. We seek to draw from all different perspectives and enhance our membership so that education, civic, business and industrial sectors are all represented through LA STEM, thus amplifying STEM education for children and youth in Los Angeles, especially those from marginalized or under-resourced communities, opening access to STEM learning for all. View our full member roster with contact information here.

Leadership Team

LA STEM is directed by a Steering Committee representing the following organizations:

  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • The Columbia Memorial Space Center
  • Engineer Factory
  • Friends of the Los Angeles River
  • Girls IN Focus
  • SoLA Robotics
  • PS Science
  • The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
  • Roundhouse Aquarium
  • USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center
  • Wildwoods

LA STEM Staff

Madeline Stewart

Ecosystem Manager

Yukako Kawakatsu

Program Manager

Maddie Warner

Admin & Communications Coordinator

LA STEM Timeline

The LA STEM Collective grew out of a task force assembled in 2019 by Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office to examine out-of-school time (OST) opportunities for the children of Los Angeles. With a strong belief in the value of informal education for the development of children, the LA STEM Collective has made this issue the focus of our core values. We want to close that opportunity gap. We strive to weave together a strong network of diverse sectors to create an ecosystem that allows all learners the opportunity to become creative, critical thinkers and doers.

2019

LA Mayor Eric Garcetti assembles an out-of-school time (OST) task force.

Spring
2020

The COVID-19 pandemic begins, schools close, everyone goes into lockdown.

Summer
2020

Task force members pull together a handful of STEM organizations to provide distance learning opportunities for LA students.

2020 -
2021

The Fall of 2020 to Spring of 2021: The group of STEM organizations grows to more than 25, providing synchronous and asynchronous STEM education during the school day, plus after-school enrichment.

June 2021

Wildwoods, a project of Community Partners, begins serving as the backbone organization for the LA STEM Collective, thus providing essential operational support as well as 501(c)3 status.

Summer
2021

We continue remote after-school enrichment with LAUSD and take part in the first Summer of Joy with GPSN: In-person STEM programming for LA youth.

2021 -
2022

Fall of 2021 – Spring of 2022: LA STEM is awarded a $1.5M contract for members to conduct virtual after-school enrichment programs with LAUSD.

January
2022

The LA STEM Collective receives our first grant from the Broad Foundation to create an organizational governance structure and begin strategic planning.

Summer
2022

We continue remote after-school enrichment with LAUSD and participate in the second Summer of Joy with GPSN: In-person STEM programming for LA youth.

Fall
2022

The LA STEM Collective receives a grant from the California Community Foundation for members to conduct community-based STEM activities

Spring
2023

LA STEM holds a convening of community-based organizations at the Natural History Museum to learn how we can best support their work with STEM learning opportunities.

Summer
2023

LA STEM takes part in the third Summer of Joy supported by GPSN: In-person STEM programming for LA youth.

Fall
2023

The LA STEM Collective receives a $1,000,000 grant from the Broad Foundation to hire staff and begin building out the infrastructure of our organization.

Spring
2024

LA STEM hires our first full-time employee: Ecosystem Manager, tasked with growing our membership and community network. The Collective holds a Symposium with breakout sessions for member organizations at the Natural History Museum LA STEM launches a new website

Summer
2024

LA Member organizations provide in-person programs for Summer of Joy #4, providing in-person STEM learning activities for LA youth.

The LA STEM Collective is excited to welcome our newest member, @bewilder.club !

Bewilder designs products and experiences to inspire more families to spend time together outside. They blend art, education, storytelling, and gear to spark everyone’s inner child. 

Welcome, Bewilder! We are excited to collaborate with you!

#LASTEMxBewilder #STEM #Community #OurLASTEMCollective #NewMember
30+ members of the LA STEM Collective will be there 4/12, come see what they're up to!

Reposted @cityofstem 👆Save the date 🥳

⚡️On April 12th, LA’s official Science Festival is back... better than ever! 

🔬Join us in Southern California’s largest celebration of science, creativity, invention, and fun in Exposition Park. Enjoy hands-on activities, amazing entertainment, food trucks, and more! 

💥This FREE, all ages event will take place on April 12th, from 9-4pm. For more information visit CityofStem.org! 

@makerfaire @columbiaspace @lapubliclibrary
We ❤️ our members! Happy Valentine's Day, LA STEM Collective!

#lastemcollective #STEM #steam #losangelesnonprofit #valentinesday
🧪🌕 Happy Lunar New Year, LA STEM! It’s the Year of the Snake! 🐍✨

As we enter the Year of the Snake, let’s celebrate how this symbol of transformation mirrors the spirit of STEM—where innovation, adaptability, and growth are always in motion.

1️⃣ Snake-Inspired Robotics: Engineers are studying how snakes move to design robots that can navigate complex environments to design more efficient robots 😮
2️⃣ Venomous Science: Snake venom is helping cancer research! and has also been used to develop medications. 🧪
3️⃣ Snakeskin technology: Snakeskin has inspired a material that reduces friction – harnessing the ssslippery skin of snakes into breaking edge tech! 🔬

Here’s to a year of growth, discovery, and innovation 🌱🚀

Our Ecosystem Manager Madeline met this beautiful snake at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (@naturemuseum) in Chicago, Illinois. 

#STEMUpClose #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheSnake #STEM #SnakeScience
🚀 Seeking Fundraising Consultant 🚀

LA STEM Collective is seeking experienced fundraising consultants to partner with us in developing a multi-year fund development plan and implementation strategy. This plan will be essential in building a sustainable fundraising program that generates unrestricted revenue while staying aligned with our mission, vision, and values.

Seeking proposals by December 20. For full details and the RFP, please contact Madeline Stewart, Ecosystem Manager, at madeline@lastemcollective.org 

#Fundraising #Consulting #Nonprofit #STEM #Sustainability #SocialImpact
🚀We’re #Hiring! 🚀 and we need YOUR help to find the best person for the job. 

Do you have a social entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in #STEM education? Are you based in LA County and looking to make a difference by leading a nonprofit organization?

If this sounds like you or someone you know, click the link in our bio to learn more about the position!

Title: Executive Director
Location: Los Angeles, hybrid/flexible
Salary: $120,000 - $160,000

#Jobs #STEMJobs #NonProfitJobs
🧬 The LA STEM Collective is on a mission to make Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) accessible for everyone, every day in the greater Los Angeles area.

🤖 As the STEM Ecosystem for Los Angeles County, our collaborative community develops meaningful cross-sector partnerships and seeks to provide STEM learning opportunities to everyone, especially historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.

🔭 Over the last four years, the LA STEM Ecosystem has grown from 20 organizations to over 70 organizations, community leaders, educators and industry leaders dedicated to empowering all people, especially students, to realize their full potential in a world shaped by STEM.

🧪 As we step into a new chapter of the LA STEM Collective, your support helps us bring these learning experiences and opportunities to more young people in our community. Help us create a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Los Angeles!

Click on the link in our bio to give today!

#GivingTuesday #Nonprofit #STEM #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math #Education #Educators
LA STEM Collective is hiring for an Admin & Communications Coordinator! This position is designed to play a key role on our team, with a focus on data management, operations, and communications. Application link in our bio!
Find the perfect enrichment opportunity for your students! Stitch connects LA’s educators and families with hundreds of programs—all in one place. #StitchLA #Education #PSTenrichment #YouthPrograms #STEM #VAPA #LACounty
We are thrilled to welcome *NEW* member @rootsofsuccess to the STEM Collective! Give them a follow and read about all the good work they do:

"An empowering environmental literacy and job training program that prepares youth and adults who have been failed by the education system to access jobs and career pathways in environmental fields and improve environmental and social conditions in their communities. Centered around a federally registered DOL Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship, Roots of Success is offered in high schools, youth programs, job training programs, reentry programs, prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, and other workforce and education settings throughout the United States. Since 2009, over 26,000 youth and adults have gone through the program; over 12,000 took the course while incarcerated."

#lastemcollective #rootsofsuccess #losangelesnonprofit #dolapprenticeshipprogram
We got FISHY with it at the @cabrilloaquarium and @kcrw #SummerNights ! Had the chance to hatch some baby grunion fish ... and then witness the grunion run as fish came up on the shore to spawn. Oh what a night! 

Congrats to our LA STEM Collective member, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, for an incredible community event in #SanPedro !

#lastemcollective #cabrilloaquarium #grunionrun #kcrwsummernights
*NEW* member alert! Welcome @frostequity to the LA STEM Collective and give them a follow!

"Frost Equity Initiative is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to diversify the science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) industries by providing early exposure to K-12 students in underrepresented groups. We partner with schools and industry professionals to offer fun, interactive, educational STEAM enrichment experiences and mentoring relationships. We target Los Angeles area schools where over 95% of students qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program, and the students are underperforming in math and science."

#lastemcollective #frostequityinitiative #lanonprofit #lanonprofits #stemeducation
What a joy to visit so many ecosystem members and friends! @cityofstem ended in April, but May was a big month for STEM in Los Angeles! 

Comment below if you think we should stop by your organization this summer! 

@angelesforest 
@u.s.forestservice
@karenbassla
@repbarragan

#regeneronISEF #isef2024 #MayorOfLA #OurFutureIsBlue #SanPedro #SantaMonica #LosAngeles #lastemcollective
We have a *NEW* website!! Curious about what LA STEM does? Want to become a member of our collective? Click the link in our bio to find out more and check out what's happening with our members!

#lastemcollective #STEM #stemeducation #lanonprofit #steameducation
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected business account for the user .