Root + STEM is a living directory of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs in Hawaiʻi. It is designed to help learners of all ages find programs that fit their interests and help educators identify gaps and areas of abundance in Hawaiʻi’s STEM education pipeline. Our vision for STEM education in Hawaiʻi is access to quality education for all learners, starting with increasing awareness of STEM opportunities across our island home.
Why Root + STEM?
Roots hold us firm, allowing us to flourish. And as we grow taller, our roots grow deeper, stronger. In the same way that the roots of plants are necessary for growth and development, so too are our own roots. We need the voices, values, and perspectives of all present in STEM fields to ground us as we work towards a Hawai’i that is regenerative, restorative, and resilient.
This website was designed to:
Build Awareness
Of STEM Programs in Hawaiʻi in each age range, island, subject, and learner focus.
Amplify Perspectives
Of what STEM is and how it can help us pursue our passions.
Align Interests
To engage and connect with programs that meet our interests, needs, and curiosities.
Activate Inquiry
In our personal drive to explore possibilities for our own educational journey in STEM.
Data & Methods
Root + STEM is a living directory of more than 140 unique programs crossing multiple disciplines, and spanning Pre-K to career. It is a continuation of static STEM maps Elemental Excelerator created in partnership with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in 2013 and 2014. Elemental Excelerator, Castle Foundation, and ONR's Asia Pacific Technology and Education Program (APTEP) recognized the importance of a strong STEM education ecosystem to support a strong entrepreneurial activity in Hawaiʻi. We developed Root + STEM out of a desire to uplift existing programs and map our opportunities for growth.
With support from the Hawai’iloa EcosySTEM cabinet, Department of Education and STEM rich institutions, we harvested programs through over 100 hours of in-person and over-the-phone interviews and online research.
This directory is by no means a comprehensive list of all of Hawaiʻi STEM programs. In fact, the dynamic growth of Root + STEM will come from you. Please submit changes to existing programs and add new programs here. Mahalo.