OUR MISSION

The mission of STEM in Action is to engage and inspire future innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs through high-quality STEM-based immersive academies and field opportunities. We work to bridge educational gaps, connecting industry partners to K12 schools to shape the future STEM workforce through strategic initiatives supporting STEM career pathways both military and civilian.

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JROTC STEM Leadership Academy

The JROTC STEM Leadership Academy equips high school cadets with hands-on STEM design challenges and leadership experiences directly connecting them to real-world military and civilian career opportunities. The Academy builds teamwork, leadership, and 21st-century skills, preparing JROTC cadets to contribute to the nation’s STEM workforce. Link to the 2024 Program Wide Cadet Report HERE.

  • 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.

    Savannah Academy 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.

    San Antonio 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.

    Georgia Academy 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.

    Alabama Academy 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.

    San Francisco 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.

    Texas Academy Cadet

Julie Cwikla, PhD

CEO and T.W. Bennett Distinguished Professor

Dr. Cwikla, as CEO 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 mission 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.

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

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STEM in Action Board Members

STEM in Action’s Board reflects the broad reach and impact of our programs, uniting leaders from all areas of the STEM community. Our board includes flag officers, accomplished scientists, skilled engineers, dedicated educators, and public relations experts, each offering distinct perspectives and expertise. This wealth of knowledge shapes our strategy with real-world experience and a shared passion for advancing education, fueling our mission to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.

About Us

STEM in Action is a dynamic non-profit corporation dedicated to transforming STEM education and creating opportunities for all students. Our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently under review by the IRS.

STEM in Action operates at the intersection of innovative learning, community partnerships and educational empowerment.

We design, implement, evaluate and research entire programs for the region and the nation but we also assist scientists with their individual broader impacts co-developing creative ways to bring STEM content to more learners.

1803 Government Street Ocean Springs, MS 39564

info@STEMinAction.org