At STEM in Action, we believe students are more likely to pursue STEM futures when learning is active, relevant, and connected to real careers. We design and support high-quality STEM experiences that help young people build confidence, leadership, problem-solving skills, and awareness of both military and civilian career pathways.

JROTC cadets participating in STEM Futures: The Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide.

JROTC cadets participating in STEM Futures: The Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide. Coast Gaurd Visit - Maritime Curriculm - MIB/SIB events

JROTC cadets participating in STEM Futures: The Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide. MIB/SIB

The Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide.

Established in 2013, STEM Futures equips JROTC high school cadets with hands-on STEM design challenges and leadership experiences tied to real-world military and civilian careers. The model emphasizes teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and applied problem-solving, helping cadets understand how leadership and technical skill development work together in future workforce roles.

STEM Futures academies are built to be immersive, practical, and motivating. Cadets engage in experiences that connect classroom concepts to engineering, technology, systems thinking, and national workforce priorities, creating a stronger bridge between student potential and future opportunity.

NEXT WAVE: Join the Crew! expands the STEM in Action mission through blue economy and Gulf Coast-connected learning experiences. This initiative emphasizes maritime, environmental, coastal, and resilience-related STEM pathways that are especially important to Gulf Coast communities and the industries that support them.

Through NEXT WAVE, students explore how STEM applies to waterways, ecosystems, infrastructure, maritime technology, and community resilience. The goal is to show students that the future of STEM is not abstract; it is visible in the industries, landscapes, and civic challenges around them.

Program Design and Research Suport
In addition to direct programming, STEM in Action supports broader STEM education efforts through program design, implementation, evaluation, and research collaboration. This work helps communities and partners develop stronger, more effective approaches to STEM engagement and broader impacts.

Designing STEM Futures!

Helping high school students develop a vision for what’s next!

San Diego, California Cadet

At Northrop Grumman, we got to see up close and touch a lot of space equipment. My favorite part was getting to see the reflectors used on the James Webb space telescope. It’s a really impressive innovation, and I got to talk to people who worked on them.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Cadet

I think having STEM as part of a summer camp is a great idea because it's challenging and engaging. I never really knew I'd like anything about coding until today. I find it really interesting. Not all summer camps have brain-engaging activities. So I think it's a great brain-refresher.
San Francisco, California Cadet

I learned that the U.S. Coast Guard is highly involved in domestic humanitarian aid with various occupations related to engineering and machine operations.
Savannah, Georgia Cadet

At first, working on the aircraft model was stressful, but as we used the engineering design process, we started getting better results. Instead of getting frustrated, I felt accomplished.
Dallas, Texas Cadet

One thing I learned about myself is that I do like robotics. And that caught me off guard because I've never done robotics before, I never liked robotics. I would always see other people doing it, and I'm like, okay, that's not my thing, until I tried it. And I'm really good at it. I struggled with the electrical part, especially setting up the controller to the computer. But, once I saw my teammate doing it, I was like, oh, I just have to do this and this, and now I can do it. Our robot was the best out of Blue Platoon, and we got to present about it.
Atlanta, Georgia Cadet

From what I learned this week, I’ll take the risk to get out of my comfort zone, listen to new ideas, and be open-minded by communicating and actively listening to those around me.
Mobile, Alabama Cadet

We saw workers building planes at Airbus, and they were happy to talk about what they do and showed us visuals of what they were talking about.
Mesquite, Texas Cadet

Failure is never failure unless you give up. You make mistakes, and it’s okay, if they are fixed. Improvement is coming. Failure is one of the best teachers.
San Antonio, Texas Cadet

Most memorable to me was the ITM Innovation Technology Machinery visit because it's got all the stuff I like there. I'd be willing to do any of the positions there. I like putting stuff together. I'm good at designing stuff, so I asked about internships there.

Julie Cwikla, PhD

CEO, Board President and T.W. Bennett Distinguished Professor

Dr. Cwikla, CEO, President of the Board, and T.W. Bennett Distinguished Professor, has led over $30 million in STEM education research and programming, creating immersive opportunities for K-20 students, educators, and families across the nation. Her work spans research on JROTC cadet learning and STEM career pathways, professional development for mathematics faculty, out-of-school STEM initiatives, classroom technology integration, interdisciplinary STEM/STEAM curricula, and NASA-funded studies on algae cultivation for Mars.

Her goal is to secure transformative funding that advances STEM learning nationally and internationally. Dr. Cwikla holds degress in mathematics, chemistry, applied matheamatics, and mathmatics education. She’s earned research support from the National Science Foundation, NASA, DoD STEM, the U.S. Department of Education, and more. Dr. Cwikla is the author of two books, over 50 journal publications, and has delivered hundreds of presentations worldwide. Read more.

CORE Program Elements

RESEARCH-DRIVEN APPROACH

Investigate questions of national and international significance in STEM education
Bring research funds into regions to improve STEM learning opportunities
Design transformative educational programs that enhance learning at all levels
Build partnerships that work collaboratively to illuminate STEM career pathways both military and civilian

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Develop community and industry relationships that support STEM learning opportunities
Create engaging STEM learning experiences for all
Develop interdisciplinary programs that inspire future innovators
Support educational development through cutting-edge research and technology

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

Out-of-school STEM programs for students, teachers and military cadre
Interdisciplinary curriculum development and design for in-school exploration
Support for emerging STEM professionals, illuminating access points and career opportunities
Professional learning for educators and students on location through internships and STEM research experiences

The Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide. STEM in Action.

The Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide. STEM in Action. MIB/SIB Mississippi Experiences at Stennis Space Center

TThe Leadership & Workforce Cademy for JROTC nationwide. STEM in Action. MIB/SIB workforce development.

STEM in Action Board Members

STEM in Action’s Board of Directors reflects the breadth of the organization’s mission and the range of sectors needed to build meaningful STEM pathways. Board members bring experience from military leadership, education, engineering, energy, environmental science, technology, philanthropy, communications, law, and workforce development.Memory

Together, this leadership helps guide STEM in Action with strategic insight, technical expertise, public service experience, and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for students. The board’s collective perspective strengthens the organization’s ability to build programs that are both educationally strong and aligned with real-world challenges and workforce needs Meet the Board.