Root + STEM
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Our Story

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

Build Awareness

Of STEM Programs in Hawaiʻi in each age range, island, subject, and learner focus.

Amplify Perspectives

Amplify Perspectives

Of what STEM is and how it can help us pursue our passions.

Align Interests

Align Interests

To engage and connect with programs that meet our interests, needs, and curiosities.

Activate Inquiry

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. 

Partners

Elemental Excelerator helps startups change the world, one community at a time. Each year, we find 15-20 companies that best fit our mission and fund each company up to $1 million to improve systems that impact people’s lives: energy, transportation, water, agriculture, circular economy, and beyond.


Harold K.L. Castle Foundation was established in 1962 and is one of the largest private foundations based in Hawai'i.  The Foundation’s current investments are focused on public education redesign and enhancement, nearshore marine resource conservation, and strengthening the communities of Windward O'ahu.


Goma Games / Purely Functional is a Web & Game Development Agency that focuses on making games and interactive experiences that bring people together— for coding, for creating, or just for fun. With an extensive history rooted in indie game development, tech education, and web development, Goma Games is passionate about nurturing inspired individuals to be creative, work hard, and most importantly, do what they love. Besides building games, Goma Games' software development label is Purely Functional, and their latest project is AirshipCMS, a web development platform built for aspiring web developers.


Hawai'iloa ecosySTEM Cabinet is a STEM learning council representing the following organizations: The Princess Pauahi Bernice Bishop Museum, Bizgenics Foundation, Blue Planet Foundation, HawaiʻiKidsCAN, 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi,  James Campbell High School, Kamehameha Schools, Maui Economic Development Board, Oceanit, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Teach for America Hawai'i, University of Hawaiʻi Office of STEM, and Windward Academy Career and Technical Education.

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