We know some of the current news has been heavy. And before we jump into regularly scheduled communications, we’re pausing to let you know that we see your sadness and hear your frustration. Our hearts are broken after the recent shootings in Monterey Park California, Half Moon Bay, California, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We grieve for the victims, families, and anyone impacted by gun violence. In light of everything, remember that you have power. Your voice and actions can serve as a catalyst for change, taking steps to claim our democracy and heal our nation. Please remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Visit our diverse mental health resource hub and our gun safety page to learn more and share resources with your loved ones.

A STEM-what? Desert? That’s right.

You might be asking yourself, “So, what exactly is a STEM desert?!” A STEM desert is an area where STEM resources are scarce in schools. Students attending school in high-poverty or rural areas tend to have less access to these opportunities, meaning thousands of students are left underprepared for the steadily growing STEM field. Truly a STEM desert for too many students. As they say, water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Tbh, we’re not about it.

Only 27 states require computer science courses, and a recent report states that only 30% of students at high-poverty schools nationwide had access to high-level math courses.  When marginalized populations are excluded from STEM, society pays a high price. The revolution starts with inclusion, and having diverse voices in the field promotes creativity and innovation that benefits everyone.

We’re encouraged by organizations like the National Math and Science Initiative, which are committed to eradicating STEM deserts. We agree that providing equitable STEM resources in school is essential in this movement. After all, opportunities in the field can pave the way for students to pursue a career in STEM despite the barriers they face.

We can make STEM deserts a thing of the past by advocating for better STEM education and sharing resources with one another. Are you ready to join our STEM revolution?

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Your voice deserves to be heard. Make STEM 100% is here to help you advocate for better STEM resources at your school. Read what some of our members had to say about why sharing and advocating for STEM resources is important to them:

DoSomething member Fizza R., 16 said, “Sharing STEM tools and resources is important to me because it helps broaden the scope of the subject. Especially for women, who before were not very involved in the STEM field. It is a diverse subject in which many people may find something they like!”

“Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics unite students by providing them with an outlet to discover and inspire others,” said DoSomething member Isabelle G., 16. “Problem solving and critical thinking display perseverance as well as dedication that goes into developing and furthering STEM.”

So, what are you waiting for?! Let’s start sharing some STEM resources now!

This is BIG… Thanks to new federal incentives to make solar panels more accessible, there’s been a huge surge in the number of homeowners, schools, and businesses installing solar panels. Proof that the transition to clean, renewable energy is possible when we make it more accessible!

Even world leaders need a break… New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden just announced her resignation, citing burnout as the cause of her much-needed break from politics. We hope more leaders can be candid about their mental health the way Arden has.

More good news…is that the UN projects the hole in the ozone layer to be fully healed in a matter of decades. This is fantastic news for the planet and great fuel to keep up the good work in fighting the climate crisis!

Today’s hero is… Paul Sein Twa, one of Myanmar’s leading environmental activists. Despite ongoing conflict in his home country, he has dedicated his life to preserving the Salween River basin. Read more about his incredible story here.

In the world of news… Archaeologists in Norway just made a groundbreaking discovery: the world’s oldest runestone. Find out what this means for understanding humanity’s past here.

New year, new you! Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $2,023 (get it?!) no-essay scholarship through January 31! And all you have to do is answer one simple question. 

Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered: What is one new thing you hope to try in 2023?

Finding this newsletter useful? Forward today's edition to a friend and encourage them to subscribe.