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Updates

  • Young Engineers Prepare for a Stuffed-Animal Tower Challenge

    Young Engineers Prepare for a Stuffed-Animal Tower Challenge

    On August 29, another group of young engineers will participate in a hands-on 901STEM building challenge.

    Working in small teams, students will design and construct towers capable of supporting stuffed-animal passengers. The activity will encourage them to explore structure, stability and balance while practicing creativity, communication and teamwork.

    Like real engineers, participants will be encouraged to test their ideas, learn from what happens and make improvements. A tower that falls isn’t a failure—it provides information that can make the next design stronger.

    The workshop is part of 901STEM’s continuing effort to develop welcoming, free STEM experiences that give every student an opportunity to participate and contribute.

    We look forward to sharing what these young engineers create—and what the experience teaches us as we continue improving our programs.

    #901STEM #HandsOnSTEM #YoungEngineers

  • Why 901STEM Exists

    Why 901STEM Exists

    Progress is happening in Memphis schools. But opportunity is still not distributed equally.

    The 2026 Memphis State of Education Report found that in three regions where roughly 70% of students are economically disadvantaged, only 21–29% of schools earned an A or B rating.

    That’s one reason 901STEM exists.

    Our goal isn’t to replace the work schools and educators are already doing. It’s to help expand access—to hands-on STEM experiences, classroom resources and community partnerships that can give more students opportunities to discover what they can do.

    Amplify what works. Fill the gaps. Expand access.

    #901STEM #MemphisEducation #STEMEducation #Memphis #HandsOnLearning

    Source: Memphis Education Fund, 2026 Memphis State of Education Report.

  • Join 901STEM: Empowering Students Through Hands-On Learning

    Join 901STEM: Empowering Students Through Hands-On Learning

    We’ve been quietly building something—and we’re ready to introduce it.

    901STEM is a new Memphis-area nonprofit working to expand access to meaningful, hands-on STEM learning, with a particular focus on students and communities facing barriers to opportunity.

    Our vision is simple: Every student should have the opportunity to discover their potential through STEM.

    Over the past several months, we have established the organization, developed our first programs and begun testing hands-on STEM experiences with local students and educators.

    Our early pilots have already reinforced some important lessons:

    – Students learn best when they can build, test, adjust and try again.
    – A successful STEM experience doesn’t require expensive equipment.
    – Small teams create opportunities for every student to contribute.
    – Educators and community partners must help shape the programs intended to serve them.
    – There is no single kind of student who belongs in STEM.

    Those lessons are guiding our approach: Amplify what works. Fill the gaps. Expand access.

    In the weeks ahead, we’ll share more about our workshops, classroom resources, community partnerships, and a new grant initiative supporting
    hands-on STEM learning in local schools.

    We’re just getting started—and we’re glad you’re here.

    Follow 901STEM and visit 901stem.org to learn more.

    #901STEM #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #Memphis

  • Celebrating our second 901STEM workshop!

    Celebrating our second 901STEM workshop!

    Yesterday, students explored circuits, electronics, and hands-on problem solving with Snap Circuits kits. We saw curious questions, creative tinkering, and confidence building one connection at a time.

    A special thank you to Anna Belk Haynes for her thoughtful guidance as we continue shaping these early workshops and growing 901STEM’s community impact.

    This is why we started 901STEM: to make hands-on STEM learning more accessible, welcoming, and fun for every kind of learner.

    #901STEM #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #MemphisNonprofit #EveryKindOfLearner

  • 901STEM Is Officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

    901STEM Is Officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

    We are thrilled to announce that 901STEM has received its determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and is now officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity.

    This milestone brings us one step closer to our mission of making hands-on STEM learning accessible to every kind of learner.

    901STEM is working with Mid-South area schools and community partners to provide robotics kits, classroom support, and engaging STEM experiences, with a special focus on economically disadvantaged and neurodivergent students throughout Memphis and Shelby County.

    Receiving our determination letter allows us to begin expanding our fundraising efforts, pursuing grants and corporate support, and building sustainable programs for the schools and students we serve. Donations to 901STEM are now tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

    We are deeply grateful to our founding board members, early supporters, educators, and community partners who have helped turn this idea into a growing organization.

    The paperwork may be complete, but the real mission is just beginning.

    901STEM is cleared for launch. 

    Learn more, follow our progress, or support our mission at 901stem.org.

  • Launch of Our First STEM Workshop in June

    Launch of Our First STEM Workshop in June

    We’re preparing for launch! The founders are piloting our first STEM workshop the last week of June. We’re still collecting information from educators to help shape our mission (please share our survey!), and we’re awaiting our IRS determination letter, which is expected within the next few weeks.

    Thanks for helping us prepare for this journey!