The why: Technological advancements in Research Triangle Park are at the heart of the STEM community in North Carolina. However, forecasters predict that the area lags in developing the necessary workforce for these high-tech fields.

High-paying jobs that promise prosperity for our community are instead going to out-of-state workers who must be recruited, contributing to the growth of our county. Many local families miss out on these economic opportunities because they lack the resources to pursue necessary job training or higher education in these fields.

Research shows that many youths, especially young women and students of color, are underrepresented in STEM fields due to issues like a lack of access to STEM enrichment, failure to identify and provide these students with a STEM educational track, and limited access to role models and mentors who look like them.

The how: We can do better. We can fill these jobs locally and ensure that the promise of these careers benefits Wake County families. Bolstering the community’s strength by planting the seeds of success in our youth and fostering equitable access to a STEM education will create a strong, qualified local workforce and expand economic and social mobility for students traditionally excluded from these professional careers.

Imagine if you could help a child explore their scientific curiosity, creativity, and mental acuity. Imagine creating a connection between a child's untapped natural gifts and the promise of a successful career for children who otherwise could not afford the same experiences as their classmates.

Children in Raleigh and Wake County should have equitable access to STEM education to prepare their minds for future possibilities, rather than having their future defined by race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

By providing STEM enrichment opportunities to underrepresented students who have shown a strong interest or potential aptitude in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and by removing traditional barriers to their participation in STEM education, we can grow and develop the next generation of STEM leaders.

The what: Through the City of Oaks Foundation's Roots 2 STEM program, we will underwrite highly effective STEM summer camp opportunities for children ages 5- 15, prioritizing young women, young black and brown students, and students without the economic resources to participate in these programs.

Additional STEM opportunities will be provided throughout the year through local community centers in neighborhoods near local elementary schools where the need for such programs is greatest. Financial assistance for high-performing students to attend programs outside these neighborhoods may also be available.

Please help us expand the number of families we can serve by making a charitable donation today to support the Roots 2 STEM program! Your support is crucial in making a positive and meaningful impact right here in our local community. Thank you for your donation!