Welcome to the C-STEM newsletter! This August/September issue is the launch of our new schedule. Beginning in October 2025, the newsletter will go out the first week of each month.

August/September 2025 Issue

Crossing the Finish Line in 2025

C-STEM initiatives impact thousands of students every year. We need your support to bring these programs to life.

At $99,600, we are 66% of the way toward our $150,000 fundraising goal for the 2025-2026 program year. Your donation goes directly toward:

Development of our groundbreaking, theme-based C-STEM Challenge Teacher Training
Signature Toolkits for after-school and out-of-school-time programs
C-STEM Challenge Showcases and Competitions, where students present their year-long projects to judges, peers, educators, and community members

C-STEM provides access to cutting-edge resources and one-of-a-kind programming, fostering early interest and continued involvement in STEM fields for our disadvantaged youth.

Make a difference. Join the mission.

Donate Now

New Partnership Brings Underwater Robotics to C-STEM

A new partnership between C-STEM and W Johnson Consulting will introduce students to the emerging possibilities of underwater robotics.

W Johnson Consulting, led by Founder and CEO William Johnson, and C-STEM are working together on a new C-STEM Training: Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). ROVs perform tasks in underwater environments, where human access is limited, if not impossible. From inspections and maintenance to research and exploration, there are multiple entry points to this rapidly developing field.

Through our partnership, high school students in Title I Houston ISD schools will receive a full academic year of training, encompassing electromechanical fundamentals and an introduction to ROV operation and mechanics. The challenge will also introduce a new direct employment pathway for C-STEM students, offering certifications and college credit to high school seniors.

Thank you, William Johnson and team, for your unwavering commitment to opening new doors for our students!

Learn more about the WJC ROV Technician Training Academy!

AI Takes Center Stage, Join the

C-STEM Challenge

C-STEM is proud to announce the theme for its latest curriculum update: AI and Water Management for a Better World

As the core of our Integrated C-STEM Training Institute, we are exploring AI, robotics, and other STEM topics, equipping teachers to guide their students in competing in the next C-STEM Challenge Day.

In taking a constructive look at AI, which some schools are hesitant to adopt and some professions are finding concerning, we can determine the positive impacts that this technology could have on today's students, who could also be tomorrow's STEM leaders.

Come join us for what will no doubt be our most exciting challenge yet!

Sign up for the training.

STEM Education Insights

Why Is It So Hard To Move The Needle On Inclusivity In STEM?

Written by: Reagan Flowers, Ph.D.

As a community, we often ask: Why does progress toward inclusivity in STEM feel so slow? New research from Eastern Michigan University suggests that one piece of the puzzle lies in how educators see themselves. By encouraging faculty to raise awareness of their own identities—and how those identities shape their teaching—we open doors to more inclusive classrooms, labs, and professional environments.

Keep reading...

Students Are Ready for New School Year, Thanks to Booker T. Washington Summer Bridge Camp

This summer, C-STEM partnered with Booker T. Washington High School to support the Taliaferro Engineering Magnet Bridge Camp

C-STEM supported incredible summer camp experiences in 2025, one of which was the Taliaferro Engineering Magnet Bridge Camp, preparing incoming 9th and rising 10th graders to excel in STEM subjects over the 2025-2026 school year.

Designed to spark curiosity and build academic confidence, the hands-on camp introduced students to STEM through a dynamic, project-based learning experience powered by C-STEM’s Innovation & Robotics Prototype Toolkits.

Thank you to Booker T. Washington High School for including C-STEM in this "boots on the ground" opportunity to directly impact the success of students in our community!

Check out the 2025 Taliaferro Magnet Camp summary and report.

Reimagining the C-STEM Administrative Office as a Vibrant Community Makerspace

C-STEM summer interns developed plans for a "C-STEM Creative Hub," an innovation space serving Houston's historic Third Ward community.

Under the guidance of C-STEM board members, interns surveyed students, teachers, and business professionals, analyzing both the data and the office space to determine the most efficient and effective use plan.

This new creative space will offer a STEM-based area where community members can work on projects from start to finish. The team's design includes rentable spaces, laptops, CNC machines, and more. The plan will reconfigure the C-STEM office to include flexible learning spaces, creative zones, and rentable areas. The interns concluded their program with a well-researched and skillfully designed presentation.

Keep an eye on the newsletter for status updates and ways to get involved!

Traveling Exhibit Celebrates 400 Years of African American History and Culture

C-STEM is proud to announce our new traveling exhibit, "Becoming to Empowering: Commemorating 400 Years of STEM."

The artwork featured in this exhibit is inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of PreK-12 students who have participated in C-STEM programming. Repurposing materials from more than two decades of hands-on STEM education, the exhibit is an immersive artistic experience that reflects the transformative power of STEM and the arts.

The road to the opening of the "Becoming to Empowering: Commemorating 400 Years of STEM" exhibit kicks off on September 27th, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Project Row Houses 2-story building!

The exhibit will open in May 2026 and run through August 2026 at the African American Research Center at the Gregory Campus, one of two Houston Public Library research libraries.

Access the Exhibit Packet

Join Our Mission

2024 Annual Report

2025 Stakeholder Report

97% of student participants in the 2025 C-STEM Sunrise Summer Camp, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Houston, reported learning something new.

Read the Full Summer Camp Report

Opportunities & Deadlines

For Students & Parents

High School Aerospace Scholars

Texas High School Aerospace Scholars is a five-month online learning experience emphasizing space exploration, Earth science, and technology, encouraging Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s missions and become the next generation of explorers.

Apply by Sept. 24

Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Students ages 13 to 18 from countries across the globe are invited to create and submit original videos (2:00 minutes in length maximum) that bring to life a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics or mathematics. Prizes include a $250,000 scholarship.

Apply by Sept. 15

For Teachers & Leaders

Women's Global Leadership Conference in Energy

A leading development event for professionals across the energy sector, WGLC envisions a future where the energy industry thrives on inclusive leadership, collaborative innovation, and opportunities for advancement, regardless of background or identity.

Oct. 28-29; Marriott Marquis Houston

Learn more

National Math Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) brings together thousands of mathematics educators from around the world to cooperate, network, learn, and get inspired.

Oct. 15-18; Atlanta, GA

Learn more