For as long as she can remember, Kára has been fascinated with science and the impact it has on our everyday lives. One of her earliest memories as a child was rummaging through a Naval base tower’s basement in Japan, where she came across a science kit that had been discarded. Her passion for science grow from there, leading her to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Radiochemistry from South Carolina State University. Her major provided her opportunities to intern at many universities, which paved the way to her current career as a scientist for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As the founder of “Science Exploration for Kids” (SE4K) – A organization dedicated to enhancing the science and math experience for students by incorporating the arts into STEM = STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). SE4K creates “Fun-with-Purpose” activities for every grade level through after-school programs, travel workshops, and career readiness. This in return helps students cultivate a passion for all STEAM subjects.

Jason Seaman has been teaching in central Indiana schools for only six years but in that time he has taught the following content areas in the middle school setting: genetics, physics, geological sciences, and cellular structure and function all the while incorporating engineering practices and strategy. Students build cellular representations, catapults, landform models all the while incorporating digital aspects to push the envelope creatively. Jason also guides seventh and eighth grade students during a biannual trip to Everglades National Park and the Florida keys where students are immersed in on sight explorations, labs, and field work. The trip focuses on the local ecosystems and maintaining healthy environments for native plants and animals. Jason was administering a unit exam when a student entered his classroom and began firing a handgun. Jason and the student he was assisting were wounded. Jason subdued the shooter within moments and had his class evacuate immediately. During this brief moment of time Jason was shot three times and required surgery. Jason continues to positively impact his community by coaching the eighth grade football team at his middle school and has coached the throwing events for both the male and female track teams.

With a continued dedication to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to students everywhere, Discovery Communications partners with nonprofit US2020, which seeks to to dramatically scale the number of STEM professionals mentoring and teaching students through hands-on projects, with a focus on girls and underrepresented minorities.

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing girls across the U.S. and Canada with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges they face. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment, and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe and where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with the skills and knowledge to set goals, overcome obstacles, and improve academic performance. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also works with policymakers to advocate for legislation and initiatives that increase opportunities for girls. At Girls Inc., girls grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals, AAAS has individual members in more than 91 countries around the globe. Membership is open to anyone who shares our goals and belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help solve many of the challenges the world faces today. You can lend your support to our efforts on behalf of scientists, engineers, educators, and students everywhere by becoming a member. Together we can make a difference: Join Us.

Iridescent’s mission is to create and deliver powerful science, engineering and technology education to help underprivileged children and youth develop: Curiosity to learn how things around us work; Creativity to try new ideas; Perseverance to keep improving and developing their ideas. We are an education non-profit that trains professional engineers, scientists, and parents to deliver cutting-edge STEM education to underserved girls, children and their families. Over the past seven years, we’ve trained more than 3,500 mentors and engaged more than 60,000 participants in our programs.

DIY (“Do-It-Yourself”) Girls’ mission is to increase girls’ interest and success in technology, engineering and making through innovative educational experiences and mentor relationships. We’re a supportive community for girls driven by an interest in creating and building with technology. DIY Girls uses a three-pronged program approach that integrates engagement, capacity building, and continuity to ensure girls’ success. We offer after-school and in-school programs, as well as workshops that provide hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) experiences for girls. Girls learn technical skills and apply them by creating their own creative projects and inventions. DIY Girls has reached over 1200 girls in Los Angeles since 2012.

Mouse is a national youth development nonprofit that believes in technology as a force for good. Mouse empowers all students to create with technology to solve real problems and make meaningful change in our world. Mouse is committed to creating more diversity in STEM and opening opportunities for students from underserved communities across the country.