Biden Lauds STEM Award Winners

President Joe Biden has awarded STEM NOLA the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. The New Orleans-based non-profit is a national leader in breaking down racial, ethnic and gender barriers in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to K-12 students.

The PAESMEM is the nation's highest honor for mentors who work with underrepresented groups to develop fully the Nation's human resources in STEM. “These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers and innovators,” said the presidential message announcing the awards. STEM NOLA is celebrated for its exceptional impact on the future of STEM education and workforce development. The award includes a $10,000 prize.

(Photo courtesy STEM NOLA)
“Receiving the Presidential Award is a monumental honor for STEM NOLA,” said Calvin Mackie, PhD., president, co-founder and CEO of STEM NOLA. “The award highlights the incredible power of mentoring in unlocking the untapped potential of students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to learn STEM. Our work is rooted in the communities we serve. Mentoring is at the core of realizing success in STEM for historically underrepresented students.”

Mackie congratulated his employees, partners and volunteers, saying the award is a testament to their dedication and commitment.

“This recognition boosts our morale and inspires us to continue our mission with even greater determination,” Dr. Mackie said.

“At STEM NOLA, we focus on providing high-quality, hands-on STEM experiences and mentorship opportunities that open doors for young people—especially those from underserved communities. This award affirms our belief that every student, regardless of race or background, deserves the opportunity to succeed in STEM, and it recognizes the power of mentoring in making that vision a reality.”

STEM NOLA was founded in 2013 when Mackie’s sons, Myles and Mason, complained that they weren’t interested in science anymore because their grade school teachers didn’t engage them enough. Dr. Mackie was disheartened; he wanted his sons to enjoy science and engineering as he did. He took his sons to the garage on weekends, where they did science experiments and hands-on adventures that reignited their interest. Neighborhood kids began joining them in the garage, with the group growing to more than 20 each weekend.

“That’s where STEM NOLA was born,” said Mackie, a former tenured engineering professor at Tulane University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Morehouse College and a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Dr. Mackie and his wife, Tracy, seeded STEM NOLA with $100,000 of their savings. Dr. Mackie pleaded his case to local corporations, philanthropic organizations, and government officials and won their support. Entergy Corporation, the power company, and Chevron Gulf of Mexico Business Unit became their prime sponsors. He recruited churches and community centers as teaching facilities. STEM NOLA soon became the model for bringing STEM learning to under-resourced communities. “We are deeply grateful to all our supporters, whose belief in our mission has been instrumental in our success,” Dr. Mackie said.