A year ago, 14 wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, devastating families and communities in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena.
We continue to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, to recognize the monumental efforts and dedication of those who are fighting to rebuild, and to encourage community and compassion as we each seek support and strengthen our neighbors, relatives, and friends.
It’s also been a year since 11 LA STEM organizations offered 70 hours of free programming to students affected by the fires. LA STEM was proud to partner with the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks (@lacityparks), the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation (@lacountyparks), and The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation (@broadfoundation) to bring hands-on STEM projects to students in Pasadena and Los Angeles.
LA STEM members met students where they were, encouraging students to experiment with LEGO puzzles, and explore “What is a Scientist.” In a time when the dark smoke hung over the city as a haze, LA STEM member organizations and volunteers shone bright, bringing smiles and laughter to all, including the park staff.
The 11 organizations included:
Columbia Memorial Space Center (@columbiaspace)
Discovery Cube (@discoverycubela)
Environerd (@_environerd)
Friends of the LA River (@folarorg)
Innoplaytion (@innoplaytion)
Los Angeles Zoo (@lazoo)
PS Science (@psscienceorg)
Rediscover Center (@rediscoverctr)
Roundhouse Aquarium (@roundhouseaquarium)
Treepeople (@treepeople_org), and
Two Bit Circus Foundation (@twobitcircusfoundation)
LA STEM organizations including Discovery Cube, Rediscover Center and the National History Museums of LA County (@nhmla) offered workshops, assemblies, and programming for displaced community members. The Engineer Factory (@theengineerfactory) and others hosted donation drives, supporting communities with needed toiletries, and educators with programming materials.
As families and communities continue to rebuild, LA STEM Collective stands ready to support our neighbors, students, and their families with community programs and STEM for all.
#LAStrong #LASTEM #LACounty #LosAngeles #WeAreLA
Happy Holidays, LA STEM!
Wishing you and your loved ones a bright holiday season and New Year -- may your code compile, your chemical reactions have no waste, and your triangle ruler be always within reach. It`s been an incredible 2025, and we are excited for 2026!
With joy,
The LA STEM Collective team 🥳
#LASTEM #STEM #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Happy Holidays, LA STEM! Are you still searching for the perfect gift for that special someone?
Maybe they’ll love…
A chromebook from @human_i_t to learn how to code 🧑💻
A rainbow lightbulb from @museumofneonart to provide a spark of inspiration 💡
A Catalina bison from @emeraldbayoutdooracademy to share their love of CA wildlife 🦬
A DNA ring from @etsy to show off their STEM style 💅
Or an “I’m a Scientist” tee from @hiphopscienceshow to let the world know how awesome they are! 🔬
Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide
#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #etsy
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
LA STEM Collective brings together the STEM Ecosystem of Los Angeles – building a community of organizations passionate about increasing access to STEM learning opportunities. Part of this ecosystem includes Community Based Organizations, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations working to support the whole student. Meet these four inspiring LA STEM Collective Members!
➡️ The Los Angeles Public Library (@lapubliclibrary) provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city`s diverse communities.
➡️ Partnership for Success (PFS) (@pfspasadena) is a Pasadena-based educational nonprofit that provides nine consecutive summers of fully funded academic enrichment, mentoring, college counseling, and career exploration opportunities for Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students. The partnership is a collaboration between four Pasadena private schools (Chandler, Mayfield Junior, Polytechnic, and Westridge) and schools in PUSD.
➡️ It’s Bigger Than Us (@itsbiggerthanus_) advances health equity and community wellness by connecting families to essential resources—food, diapers, hygiene, and case support—while powering school-based programs, resource fairs, and emergency relief.
➡️ Heart of Los Angeles (@heartoflosangeles) provides underserved kids with an equal chance to succeed, delivering a comprehensive array of after-school academic, arts, athletics, music, and wellness programs for youth ages 6-24. Heart of Los Angeles’ out of school programs complement and enhance youths’ academic experience through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment.
LA STEM is a growing network of organizations passionate about increasing access to STEM learning opportunities. Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxLAPL #LASTEMxPFS #LASTEMxIBTU #LASTEMxHoLA #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Wrap science or engineering in this year’s gifts – from 13 year olds to 18 year olds, we’ve created a specialized list of fun and engaging hands-on gifts.
🎧 Explore all facets of STEM with a Eureka Create – build a set of headphones, a working laser speaker or printing press with this box of fun
🧬 Celebrate loving STEM in small and large ways with a set of STEM enamel pins, perfect for a lanyard or backpack
🪓Get crafty with @parksandrec’s Nick Offerman with the Little Woodchucks book, perfect for the maker in your family
🪺Dive into the world of birds with Wingspan - build habitats and create a strategy to protect your birds!
Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide
#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #parksandrec #parksandrecreation
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
STEM is all around us – in the velocity of baseballs to the physics of superheroes. These four LA STEM organizations are working to make STEM accessible to students and teachers, supporting students with mentorship, career paths, and leadership opportunities.
⚙️ TEAM (@weareteaminc) empowers underrepresented young people ages 14–24 by leveraging their passion for sports as an entry point to build data analytics and STEM skills and expand opportunities for their futures careers.
⚙️SheSTEAM empowers girls and women across the U.S. and Africa through transformative STEAM education, innovation, and global exchange. We create pathways for leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM career exploration, especially for under-resourced communities.
⚙️STEAM Academy is the educational wing of the STEAM Superheroes (@steamsuperheroes) non-profit, created to fill critical gaps in the STEM pipeline—especially for underrepresented minorities. By connecting youth with real-life STEM professionals, STEAM Academy provides mentorship, academic support, and career exposure that inspires students to stay engaged in STEM for the long term.
⚙️Pitsco (@pitscoed)`s STEM products and curricula put a piece of the world in students’ hands and ask, “How does this apply to your life?” – connecting classroom to careers to the everyday real world. Their solutions give students a platform and structure to practice what is required in a 21st-century workplace and help equip teachers with the understanding and mindset necessary to manage this type of future-relevant learning environment.
LA STEM is a growing network of organizations passionate about increasing access to STEM education in LA County. Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxPitsco #LASTEMxSTEAMSuperheroes #LASTEMxSheSTEAM #LASTEMxHiddenGenius #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Do you have an inquisitive 8 year old at home? Does your pre-teen neighbor get SUPER excited about tech?
You may be the perfect person to inspire them with a STEM gift this holiday season!
Check out our gifts for 8-12 year olds, including:
A spider robot from @nhmla to bring Spiderman and technology together 🕸️
A Crystal Garden from @nationalgeo to wow them with beautiful chemistry 🧪
Jane’s Endangered Animal Guide by JJ Johnson and Christian Simms from @rootsandshoots to inspire them and learn about animals around the world 🦍
Or a Circuit Maze Board Game to spark their logical thinking and challenge themselves ⚙️
Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide
#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚
Expanded learning and afterschool programming offer opportunities for students to explore their interests, see role models, and practice what they’ve learned in the classroom. This Spring, LA STEM brought hands-on STEM programs to 46 afterschool programs at LAUSD schools this spring.
Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what they said:
📐 “I recall a student [who] was a special ed student. Although the activity was challenging, he tried and was able to participate. This was a rewarding experience for all involved.” 📐
The LA STEM Collective brings challenging and rewarding hands-on STEM activities to schools around LA County. Learn more at www.LASTEMCollective.org
#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
Meet four LA STEM Members – from college access programs to teaching about energy efficiency, these organizations are working to support the whole family with STEM.
➕ SoCalREN`s Kits for Kids Program (@_socalren) introduces third- and fourth-grade students from participating schools to energy efficiency. Students receive energy-efficient items at no cost, which can help their families save energy and money while improving their comfort and safety at home. Each enrolled classroom is eligible to receive a $1,000 incentive if 65% of students install the energy-efficient items and provide proof of installation.
➕ LA Promise Fund (@lapromisefund) provides students with academic and enrichment opportunities that spark passion, empower leadership, and prepare them for their chosen college and career paths through our programs: Career Pathway Connections, ArtsMatter, Amgen Biotech Experience, The Intern Project and StudentsBuild.
➕ LA Promise Fund`s Building College Success (@buildingcollegesuccess) has the BS³ STEAM Academy which equips South LA 10th , 11th, and 12th graders, every other Saturday in the Spring with one-week residential, with hands-on experiences and competitive credentials that prepare them for the future.
➕Strategic Kids (@strategic.kids) partners with schools districts and community centers to expand access to high-quality Expanded Learning through dependable staffing and engaging enrichment programs. They provide trained paraeducators, program leaders, and enrichment instructors who create safe, supportive environments for all students. Their programs—LEGO®, Chess, Visual Arts, Field Games, Origami, Magic, and more—spark curiosity, build confidence, and promote social-emotional growth.
The LA STEM Collective is a growing network of organizations passionate about increasing access to STEM in Los Angeles. Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxSoCalREN #LASTEMxLAPF #LASTEMxBCS #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Are you still hunting for the perfect gift for your little one?
Give your little one the gift of creative and imaginative playtime this holiday. Help them practice their fine motor skills and spark wonder with these science gifts.
⚙️Take engineering on the go with a Magna-Tiles Travel Set
🌧️ See physics in motion during bathtime with Plui Rain Cloud from @kidspacemuseum
🍃 Explore the great outdoors with Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find?
🦋 Watch the amazing lifecycle of butterflies with a Butterfly Garden Kit
Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide
#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #LASTEM #STEM
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and MORE! LA STEM is excited to introduce four new members of the LA STEM Collective. Meet America on Tech, the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation, LA Mission College, and We are Science.
1️⃣ America On Tech (AOT) (@americaontech) is a national nonprofit preparing the next generation of technology leaders from underestimated communities. As an early pipeline tech talent accelerator, AOT creates equitable access to technology careers for 16-24-year-olds from historically excluded backgrounds who lack access to critical resources and opportunities.
2️⃣ On MythBusters, Grant Imahara was both an entertainer and an educator. The Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation (@grantimaharafoundation) carries on his legacy by creating spectacular hands-on learning experiences for underserved youth.
3️⃣ The STEM Programs at Los Angeles Mission College (@lamissioncollege) help students build confidence and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. We offer workshops, tutoring, real-world projects, and a supportive community so students can explore careers, transfer to universities, and reach their goals.
4️⃣ We Are Science (@stemgirl4life) is committed to providing high-energy, learning inspired, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshops for children Pre-K through 12 graders in a fun, safe environment.
Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxAOT #LASTEMxGrantImahara #LASTEMxLAMissionCollege #LASTEMxWeAreScience #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Celebrating #CSEdWeek! Have you heard of the Turing Award?
🔹 Computer Science has laid the foundation for many incredible achievements – from database technology to the internet and artificial intelligence, computer science combines creativity, critical thinking, and perseverance. Especially when your code just. 😭 won’t. 😤 compile. 🤪
🔹 Every Turing Award recipient started as a student and there are countless competitions and events for students to test their computer science skills. From @girlswhocode challenges and the @congressionalappchallenge to the @californiasciencefair, students of all ages can take part in computer science competitions.
#LASTEM #CS #ComputerScience #Students #TuringAward #ComputerProgrammers #NobelPrize
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚
Earlier this year, LA STEM partnered with @girlsinfocus.la and 16 LA STEM organizations to bring science, technology, engineering and math to 46 LAUSD middle and elementary schools.
Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what Dunya of Girls IN Focus shared:
🎥 “A student completed the group animation project and had time to do her own "original" 20 page sequence with her favorite character. We recorded her flip book animation on her phone and she was able to add some sound and music and share her "film" with friends. I think this brought home the concept that animated films are ideas from your head shared through technology for any audience.” 🎥
#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #film #studentfilm #technology #flipbook #art #arteducation
Happy #CSEdWeek! Did you know?
🔸 In the mid-1800s, Ava Lovelace set the stage for computer science decades ahead of her time. She questioned and wondered if machines could do more than calculations. Rather than 2+2=4, could they solve complex algebraic equations? Calculus?
🔸 Her ideas later became known as “universal computation” and fundamentally changed the way computational machines (later known as computers) were perceived. In the 1930s, Alan Turing published his research on the concept, and later became known as the “Father of Computer Science” for his contributions to the field of computer science.
🔸 In Los Angeles, only a third of high school girls are taking computer science classes and less than half of LA County schools are providing access to all of the available computer science classes.
🔸 At LA STEM, many of our members offer amazing Computer Science classes, programs, activities, and events to raise awareness and teach much needed skills. Want to learn more about LA STEM? Visit us online at www.LASTEMCollective.org!
#LASTEM #CS #ComputerScience #Students #TuringAward #AvaLovelace #WomenInSTEM #ComputerProgrammers
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
It’s time to highlight four AMAZING organizations supporting communities around Los Angeles and working to empower students and families. Introducing four incredible LA STEM Collective Members!
🌈 Rainbow Labs wants to ensure the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth find their community, peers, and safe spaces earlier on while gaining a sense of empowerment to propel them into bright futures.
⚙️ Los Angeles Education Partnership advances educational equity by empowering teachers, students, and communities to engage in transformative STEAM learning. We cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through hands-on, culturally relevant instruction that prepares all students, especially those in historically underserved schools, to thrive in college, careers, and civic life. By strengthening educator practice, fostering innovation, and connecting schools with community and industry partners, LAEP ensures that STEAM serves as a pathway to opportunity, equity, and lifelong success.
🏫 The mission of the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) is to transform schools to ensure that all students succeed. We believe that schools should prepare every student to achieve academically and make a positive contribution to a democratic society.
📚 Special Needs Network (SNN) is a Los Angeles–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving children and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities, particularly in underserved communities. Since 2005, SNN has advanced disability rights and social justice through direct services, workforce development, parent advocacy, and innovative programs that promote inclusion and equity for all.
Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxRainbowLabs #LASTEMxLAEP #LASTEMxCCE #LASTEMxSSN #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚
Expanded learning and afterschool programming offer awesome opportunities for students to explore their interests, learn in a new way, and practice what they’ve learned in the classroom. This Spring, LA STEM brought hands-on STEM programs to 46 afterschool programs at LAUSD schools this spring.
Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what they said:
🦖 “In my most recent class, a 1st grader had an `a-ha` moment when he learned that birds are actually modern day dinosaurs. He was blown away by this fact!” 🦖
#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #ExpandedLearning #ELOP #AfterschoolSTEM
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
It’s Technology Thursday! Meet four incredible LA STEM Members working to bring technology classes and programs to Greater Los Angeles. From a teen tech center to providing laptops and internet access, these four LA STEM Collective Members are electrifying the grid.
💿 Urban TXT (@urbantxt) acts as a technology consulting and software development firm that not only provides services to clients but also empowers young men of color to build real-world skills, launch careers in tech, and drive innovation within their communities.
🔍 The SoLa Foundation (@thesolafoundation), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, works to improve the lives of South LA residents and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing opportunities for education, economic mobility, & community development.
🔌 VSEDC, South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center (@vsedc) believes every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in a technology-driven world—no matter where they come from. Our youth tech center provides access to cutting-edge tools, hands-on training, and one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals.
🛜Human-I-T’s (@human_i_t) mission is to create equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide—while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect our planet.
Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxUrbanTXT #LASTEMxSoLaFoundation #LASTEMxVSEDCTechCenter #LASTEMxHumanIT #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚
Earlier this year, LA STEM partnered with 17 member organizations to bring STEM programs to 46 LAUSD middle and elementary schools.
Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what they said:
🌳 “A 5th grade student got inspired to start an Earth club at their future middle school so that they could expand shade and fruit trees in their neighborhoods” 🌳
#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning
🌟Member Spotlights! 🌟
Meet four LA STEM Collective members focused on mentorship and supporting students of all ages with classes, programs, leadership opportunities, and more.
💾 NPower (@npowerorg) offers a tuition-free, 18-week, instructor-led online program in IT, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, designed to equip Opportunity Youth (ages 18–26) and military veterans with in-demand tech skills, professional development, and industry certifications. NPower is also a workforce development program that provides comprehensive career support services— ensuring our graduates are fully prepared to launch rewarding careers in technology.
💻Black Girls Code (@blackgirlscode) was built to solve the question: Who’s Coding Our Future? We exist to make sure today’s learners can become tomorrow’s leaders in tech—regardless of their background, zip code, or identity. We spark interest in elementary school, build technical and leadership skills in middle and high school, and create pathways into college, careers, and entrepreneurship.
🔭 MOSTe (@moste.girls) is a nonprofit organization that enables girls from low-income communities in Los Angeles to reach their full potential. Beginning in middle school, our scholars gain mentorship, leadership opportunities, and college and career preparation that build confidence and open doors to new possibilities.
🧬 At I.M.A.G.E. Makers Academy, our mission is to empower and transform the lives of low-income youth and young adults ages 13–24 through personalized assessments, mentorship, and theme-based life skills training. Through our innovative, strengths-based approach, we help youth and young adults discover who they are, build resilience, and pursue clear pathways toward educational and career success.
Curious about joining the LA STEM Collective or getting involved? Email info@LASTEMCollective.org for more!
#STEM #LASTEM #MemberSpotlight #LASTEMxNPower #LASTEMxBCG #LASTEMxMOSTe #LASTEMxIMAGEMA #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
The LA STEM Collective is the STEM ecosystem for Los Angeles – from museums and libraries to non-profits and industry leaders. This Giving Tuesday, we celebrate all of the amazing work that our nonprofit partners have accomplished over the past year.
💙 During this season of giving, consider giving to your local neighborhood nonprofits working to increase access to STEM across LA County.
🚀 To our partners: we see you and we are grateful for everything you do to support the students, families, and communities of Los Angeles. Thank you for all that you do!
Happy #GivingTuesday!
Take a look at LA STEM’s full list of members, and find STEM nonprofits near you at: https://lastemcollective.org/member-roster/
#GivingTuesday2025 #Donate #LASTEM #OurCollectiveImpact #STEM #AfterschoolEducation
Earlier this year, LA STEM partnered with 17 member organizations to bring STEM programs to 46 LAUSD middle and elementary schools.
Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what they said:
🚀 “During our outside stomp rocket activity students were given the choice to add as many fins as they liked to help their rockets fly. Upon experimenting they were able to realize that placement, weight, and the amount of fins played a significant role in their rocket launches. Once the "sweet spot" was found they did not want the activity to end.”🚀
Your Giving Tuesday gift helps ensure that every student has access to high-quality STEM experiences, every single day. From stomp rockets to astrophysics and everything in between!
👉 Join us in building a future where STEM truly is for everyone. Donate online at www.LASTEMCollective.org or through the link in our bio.
#GivingTuesday2025 #Donate #LASTEM #OurCollectiveImpact #STEM #AfterschoolEducation
