Imagine a child not being exposed to STEM - we may miss the next great scientist or innovator. Imagine a family member not being able to pursue a career in I.T. due to their current economic status - we may miss another technician or engineer. Now imagine not having a George Washington Carver, a Katherine Johnson, a Bill Gates, Marie Curie or Mae Jemison. They are the pioneers who have shaped the STEM world. For some people, exposure and access to these skill sets are easily available, but for others - it's not. Early and consistent exposure is the key.

Currently, there are over 5 million STEM and I.T. jobs in the U.S. and not enough qualified people to fill these jobs. Only 4.4% of Black Americans are in the robotic engineering fields. And less than 25% of minorities are in the I.T. field and out of that - only 17% are women. These stats have not changed since 2016. IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE!

For the past 16 years, the Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center have impacted the lives of youth, teens and adults in the under-represented communities we serve. Our reach have changed the lives of over 1,200 residents in Guilford County by providing STEM career pathways and introducing youth, teens and adults to the world of STEM, Robotics & IT. We have come to realize it is not just K-12, but K-Employment.

Our goal is to create a pipeline of minorities who are qualified and certified in these lucrative fields. By offering consistent exposure, we are creating career awareness, diversity and readily preparing our younger generation thereby developing a more competitive workforce. They are now seeing people who look like them in these lucrative fields. That's why our adage for 2024 is: "IF I CAN SEE IT, I CAN BE IT".

Since participating in the FIRST robotics competition from a NASA & FIRSTNC grant three years ago geared to develop a community minority team, our team the GEODEBOTS already have six high school seniors who are now pursuing college or careers in engineering, computer science and cybersecurity.

Like Jerina, (pictured below) who at first could not believe she could be our team captain. With her leadership, our team received the Rookie Inspiration of the Year Award in 2022 and won three District events in NC - three years in a row. Jerina is now pursuing a degree in computer science and now mentors FIRST teams in Georgia.

And like Cali, who four years ago did not talk at all when he attended our STEM exploration camp. But we saw something in him. Last year, Cali was promoted to Crew Chief speaking and encouraging team members. Cali found his voice with us and he is currently attending UNCG majoring in cybersecurity. And finally like A.J, our new team captain, whose intellect and understanding of the engineering process coupled with his CAD and leadership skills are forging us forward in our upcoming FRC robotics season. I am so proud of them - LET'S GO GEODEBOTS, LET'S GO!!!

At the Nehemiah Center, we are tapping into their hidden talents and like a geode, we are cracking open the outside rough exterior and pulling back the layers of life to get to that hidden gem inside all of us. Check out this FOX8 news spotlight last summer showing how we are creating diversity and making an impact for our younger generation.

https://myfox8.com/video/nehemiah-community-foundation-inc-creating-diversity-in-stem/8810602/

And it doesn't stop there. We also provide ITF certification and apprenticeship opportunities for teens and adults, and summer employment is designed to keep teens off the streets. We provide these services free of charge for those seeking financial assistance and qualify for local funding. The Nehemiah Center is growing exponentially and is in the capacity building stage. We need your help today to aid us with our expansion. This past summer, we launched a site in High Pt. and served 30 youth and teens. We now have three robotic teams covering all ages from elementary, middle school to high school. This school year, we are now in two local area schools providing STEM clubs. Now 45 youth are currently enrolled at our facility from five area schools we have partnered with. In three years, we have outgrown our facility. We are currently seeking a larger facility so we can stop delaying student participation by putting families on our waitlist.

So join us today and become a change agent by helping us continue to fulfill our STEM motto: "Educating for the 21st Century & Beyond!"

And guess what? For all you rocket science enthusiasts out there. You will really enjoy this. By coming to our in-person celebration ceremony in Greensboro, NC on Oct. 5th from 5pm - 7pm, you and your family can fill out a postcard to send to space.

THAT'S RIGHT! Through Blue Origin's "Club for the Future", you can fill out a postcard which will launch on the New Shepard Rocket. Your postcard will be stamped: "FLOWN TO SPACE" and mailed back to you. WOW! - You don't want to miss this noteworthy event. Click here to RSVP.

Check out some of the dynamic programming we've provided to our community over the past 16 years.

Help us celebrate 16 years of creating career awareness and diversity in these fields. And at the same time, evoke change and empower other teens, like Keyona, like Jerina, like Cali, like A.J. and so many more - find their hidden talent and passion.

Sixteen years ago, I was told that what I'm trying to do is something that won't work and it doesn't make sense. That I was wasting my time. They couldn't see the vision. Now 16 years later, every other word out our mouths, the way we drive, how we purchase food, communicate, what's in our hands and the device you are looking at right now are STEM related.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our past and current donors, grantors, staff, volunteers, community partners and stakeholders who have believed in us and collaborated with our team over the years. We could not have done any of this without you. The Nehemiah Center has become a community staple in Guilford County and we look forward to another 16+ years of empowering our community. Help us continue to develop our future scientists, technicians, engineers, mathmaticians, innovators, leaders and so much more. Our future is in their hands!

The Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center is a verified 501c3 tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible, and your donation is greatly appreciated.

We thank you for being a change agent for the communities we serve and helping us fulfill our STEM motto: "Educating for the 21st Century & Beyond!"

Nehemiah Center's "SWEET 16" Online Auction

"IF I CAN SEE IT, I CAN BE IT"