STEM jobs are the careers of the future.

In the next ten years the percentage of STEM jobs is projected to grow nearly 3x faster than non-STEM jobs. Yet in northwest Ohio’s largest school district, only one in five 5th graders is proficient in math, and one in three is proficient in science. Lack of exposure accounts for part of the shortfall: most students have limited opportunities for hands-on learning or real-world problem-solving. Economic barriers further widen the gap. In Lucas County, nearly one in four children lives in poverty, and students from low-income households are less likely to pursue advanced STEM coursework. The result is a widening disconnect: growing demand for STEM workers but few students prepared or inspired to pursue STEM career paths.

Quality STEM builds confidence.

Kool Kat Science empowers youth in northwest Ohio through fun, hands-on STEM experiences that build confidence and inspire students to pursue meaningful careers. During the school year, we offer multi-week programs at local libraries and after school programs. These grant-funded programs reach nearly 100 students annually and introduce them to maker skills, coding and robotics.

STEM summer camps offer four days of immersion in a specific discipline such as AI, electronics, 3D design, or robotics. In 2026 over 200 students attended a Kool Kat Science camp.

While the community programs and camps provide a wide net for students to experience STEM, Maker Labs and 2Gen clubs offer opportunities for program alumni to engage with project-based STEM on a deeper level. These groups aim at retention and are limited to a few dozen students which meet in a regular cadence throughout the school year.

From problem student to peer coach.

STEM isn’t necessarily for everyone, but for many students it offers a pathway to real achievement. In 2025, E. was a student who had problems in school that necessitated an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). He attended a Kool Kat Microbit robotics camp and made so much progress that the instructor decided to provide an extra challenge for him to tackle. That summer, we offered the same camp a second time and E. attended again. This time he taught the stretch challenge he’d mastered from the previous camp and served as a peer coach for less experienced students!

Kool Kat Science is growing.

Growing takes resources. Your gift helps in three ways:

Dedicated Commercial Space: In order to serve more families through our retention programs (Maker Labs and 2Gen clubs) we need a permanent facility. This will provide a dedicated STEM classroom as well as a home base where volunteers can assist with program prep and equipment maintenance.
STEM on the Go: One of our strengths is the ability to stage rich STEM experiences wherever there are students. But we’ve outgrown our cars and need a van that can transport equipment and materials for two programs.
System Capacity & Support: We need an upgrade to our online systems. We also need instructors and admin support to allow leadership to focus on expansion and curriculum.

Building Toledo’s STEM Talent Pipeline

Help launch the next generation of innovators—every gift provides hands-on coding, robotics, and engineering for Northwest Ohio kids.

Team Members