We are an award winning, grassroots community led program founded by members of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe in STEM careers on a mission to increase our communities understanding of STEM, while providing STEM opportunities to our tribal youth and community.  We are located in the Columbus and Bladen Counties of North Carolina, but reach our tribal members wherever they call home. 

"Since our founding in January 2020, we have provided over 35 STEM events to the Waccamaw Siouan Tribal community, engaged with more than 1,000 tribal community members, provided $10,000 in STEM Kits to tribal youth, built 31 partnerships with supporting organizations at zero cost to tribal community members."  

The Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Communities are located in the most rural areas of the Columbus and Bladen Counties of North Carolina.  Access to broadband is limited, school ratings are well below average, 40% of youth are living in poverty, and it is among some of the most food starved counties in North Carolina.  The opportunities for STEM programing in the area is nearly nonexistent. 

Our impact has been felt in many different aspects of life in our community.   

• On average, 25% of the tribal community participates in STEM Studio Programs and we have expanded beyond our community to reach other tribal youth.  

• More tribal youth are now interested in STEM careers, as evident through community interviews and testimonials from youth.  

• We have provided $2,000 in scholarships to Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Youth.

• Our STAR Preservation Project has captured the eye of the entire tribal community: recording oral history, tribal history research using technology, and revitalizing a 300 year old once lost language. 

• We have hosted more than 35 in-person and virtual STEM events since 2020, challenging the youth to stretch their minds to utilize contemporary STEM education to understand traditional ways.