STEM Forward

Empowering students, educators, STEM professionals and communities to grow a culture of STEM.

A Community of Doers and Dreamers

STEM Forward connects students, educators, STEM professionals, and community leaders to strengthen STEM education across Metro Atlanta.

Through collaboration, schools develop sustainable programs, pursue certification, and expand community engagement — creating impact that lasts beyond the classroom.

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Our Impact At A Glance

30+

Participating Schools

40+

STEM Professionals

10+

Community Partners

30,000+

Potential Students Impacted

The STEM Forward Journey

A year-long pathway of connection, reflection, and celebration.

Kickoff
Students, educators, and STEM professionals align on shared goals for STEM impact at their schools.

September 14, 2025; Mundy’s Mill High School
Fall Summit
Teams work through a STEM program development simulation through the eyes of a STEM professional.

November 14, 2025; NCR Voyix Global Headquarters
Midyear Survey
Teams reflect on their progress, challenges, and support systems provided by Science ATL.

December 2025; Virtual
Spring Summit
Teams exhibit their self-developed programs in the annual Pitch Competition and experience the STEM Professional Career Panel.

February 28, 2026; Cox Enterprises Headquarters
End of Year Celebration
Teams showcase their accomplishments throughout the year and collectively celebrate all STEM Forward accomplishments.

May 2, 2026; Location TBD
End of Year Survey
STEM Forward participants reflect on the year’s glows and grows, sharing ideas on strengthening the program.

May 2026; Virtual

Program Tracks
School teams complete a Needs Assessment to determine how to deepen their STEM journey. They use this data to determine which track they will complete: Creating a STEM Program, Earning a STEM Certification, or Expanding STEM Reach to the Community.
Ongoing Engagement
Wednesday Webinars – Participants meet with the STEM Forward community virtually on a monthly call. During the webinars participants receive professional development in different core values of leadership.

Partnership Check-In Calls – Participants meet once a month with their STEM Forward facilitator to discuss progress, accomplishments, and challenges. Facilitators provide mentorship and resource support during the calls.
Time Commitment
4 Hour Commitment – Teams dedicate time per month to plan, engage with their school, reflect, and document work. This includes monthly partner planning/reflection calls.
Communication & Reporting
SMART Goals – Teams develop two SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals to guide their progress throughout the year.

Monthly Engagement Logs – Teams submit reflections and images of their engagements, tracking their progress toward their goals along the way.

Participant Highlight: Krista Stuckey

We’re thrilled to celebrate Krista Stuckey of Rex Mill Middle School—a powerhouse STEM advocate and a returning champion in the STEM Forward program! 🎉 Krista’s passion for empowering students and building bridges between schools and STEM professionals is nothing short of inspiring.

This year, Krista is being honored with our K-12 STEM Community Builder Award for her outstanding work with the Georgia Chief Science Officers Program, the STEM Professional School Partnership Program, and her ongoing leadership with Science ATL initiatives. Her dedication to elevating student voice and creating lasting STEM partnerships is making a profound impact across Georgia. Congrats, Krista! 👏🔬💡 #STEMForward #STEMCommunityBuilder #ScienceATL

Participating Schools

STEM Forward unites schools across the region — each advancing STEM in their own community. Explore who’s part of the network below.

Support

This program is supported by generous funding from Google, Cox Enterprises, Cousins Foundations, UPS, The Clorox Company, and the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.

Questions?

If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact AJ Chestnut Raines via email at [email protected].

STEM Forward

A Community of Doers and Dreamers

Our Impact At A Glance

The STEM Forward Journey

Kickoff

Fall Summit

Midyear Survey

Spring Summit

End of Year Celebration

End of Year Survey

Program Tracks

Ongoing Engagement

Time Commitment

Communication & Reporting

Participant Highlight: Krista Stuckey

Participating Schools

Support

Questions?

Ernest Ngirimana

Treasurer & Board Member since 2025

What wows you about science?