Saving Lives and Minds Stem Carnival opened with big fanfare!  Children had an opportunity to learn about natural sciences, new technology, engineering, and mathematics with the help of caring adults and volunteers.

CBM National Youth and Prevention Services Division Manager Cheryl Johnson, her staff and a team of dedicated volunteers and partner organizations helped to organize the annual event.

The STEM Carnival is aimed at introducing inner city students attending Savoy Elementary School to STEM fields and encourage a natural interest in one of the fastest growing fields in the world.  According to a 2013 report by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the number of minorities in physical sciences, math and engineering has had no gains since 2000.

“These are alarming numbers, but they can be changed,” said Johnson.  “We are focusing on starting kids out early to build a foundation that will create a real paradigm shift.”

The goal is inspiring a real love for STEM subjects so that they enroll in undergraduate programs to earn degrees in the field.  The NSF indicates that the STEM field is largely composed of white males with marginal numbers of other minorities and women.  Without a wider representation of ideas and perspectives in the STEM field, new technologies may not serve the needs of an increasingly diverse US population.

Although the STEM Carnival is fun, its intentions are strategic:  Black children must be equipped early to compete in the burgeoning STEM economy.  In 2010, 1 in 18 workers were in STEM fields in the United States with projection to grow by 17.0 percent by 2018 according to the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA).

“We want our kids to have fun, but we want them prepared.  Putting on the Stem Carnival is a real treat for the kids and the adults.  It is even more gratifying to know that we are helping kids learn about STEM and breaking barriers.”

This June CBM National is raising money to supplement its SLAM Summer Camp which also helps kids succeed in STEM.  DONATE NOW