On Saturday, February 1, OIC of America marked five years of STEM Saturdays educational programming for students and their families in Minneapolis. Ten times a year, 150 students gather for unique, hands-on educational programming that introduces them to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and sets them on the path to in-demand careers.

“What started in the Twin Cities in 2020 has now spread to cities across the country, with more on the way,” said Louis J. King II, President and CEO of OIC of America. “The way that we get these kids to see themselves as scientists, as chemists, as biologists, as mathematicians, is to introduce them to careers that will open any door they can imagine.” 

For this fifth anniversary celebration, OIC of America was joined by Senator Bobby Joe Champion (District 59); Leroy West, President and CEO of Summit Academy OIC; and Eric Mahmoud, CEO of Harvest Best Academy. This month’s event focused on chemical reactions, with K-8 students invited to unleash their inner scientists through experiments that explore the different states of matter.

In the five years since OIC of America began doing STEM Saturdays in Minneapolis, the events have spread to Philadelphia; South Florida; New Britain, Conn.; and Portland, Ore., including annual STEMFests that bring together hundreds of kids to explore STEM careers. In addition, OIC of America’s STEM programming was recently included in the NBA Foundation’s 13th round of grants, committing over $5 million to 31 nonprofit organizations across NBA team markets. 

“To achieve economic justice, our youngest students need the skills that will propel them into pioneering careers,” added OIC of America’s King. “While STEM events are meant to be fun and engaging, they’re primarily building pathways to jobs that transform lives and communities.”