Community Mission
The SAME K-12 STEM Outreach Community of Interest’s mission is to promote and support pathways to STEM degrees and STEM careers for K-12 students as part of a national strategic effort to produce more STEM professionals for the nation.
Increasing opportunities for youth to explore hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to learn from professionals working in these career fields, is an important aspect of strengthening the STEM pipeline for the nation.
COI Vision
The K-12 STEM Outreach COI is committed to providing programming, training, and engagement opportunities, working with partners and organizations to enhance the security of the nation by ensuring a robust STEM workforce into the future.
Scope of Efforts
K-12 students need to be exposed to STEM activities, degrees, and careers as they move up the academic ladder. The COI works with the network of Posts, individual members, corporate members, service branches, and strategic partners to increase opportunities for STEM exposure for K-12 students. The COI also will promote the Society’s STEM programming at local, regional, and national events, as resources allow, in addition to national programs like STEM Pathways.
Activities & Opportunities
- Categorize different examples of how the Post/individuals support K-12 STEM at the local level
- Identify and provide guest speakers/webinars on relevant topics
- Serve as a clearinghouse of STEM information
- Provide a calendar of STEM (SAME/Post and external) events and points of contacts
To learn more about the K-12 STEM Outreach Community of interest, contact a member of the Steering Committee, or reach out to Sarah Feighery, National Office Program Manager.
Community Chair
Victoria Hernandez
Program Manager, AFCEC
Immediate Past Chair
Joshua Graham, P.E., PMP, F.SAME
Project Manager, HDR
Vice Chair, Strategic Alliance: Jeffrey Leonard, PE, CFPS, F.SAME
Vice Chair Programs: Lexi Lessaris
Vice Chairs, Communications and Outreach: Zayda Shavkatova and Roger Minyami
Vice Chair, Awards and Recognition: Traci Dewar
Upcoming National Webinars
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- Webinar
Ready, Set, SBC! 2026 Webinar Series Part 1
Securing federal contracts can be a powerful pathway for small businesses to scale, diversify revenue, and build long-term stability, but navigating the government procurement process can feel overwhelming without the right strategy. This webinar is designed to demystify the process and equip small business leaders with a list of best practices and tools needed to compete and win in the federal marketplace. -
- Webinar
Ready, Set, SBC! 2026 Webinar Series Part 2
Let’s say you have 6 seconds to convince a government buyer or teaming partner that you are competent, capable, and mature. Can you do it? Is your pitch ready? This SBC pre-conference webinar is a fast-paced, high-energy session delivering step-by-step tactics for a capability statement that works. A capability statement is the de facto marketing tool for small and mid-size federal companies. -
- Webinar
AI as Load Shock: Rethinking Energy Security and Mission Assurance
The rapid expansion of AI computing, electrification, and mission-critical digital infrastructure is fundamentally altering the energy security landscape. While AI is often discussed as a software capability or data challenge, its most immediate national security impact is physical: unprecedented, concentrated, and inflexible electrical demand that stresses grid infrastructure and traditional resilience assumptions. -
- Webinar
Ready. Set. SBC: Party of One: Maximizing SBC on Your Own
Heading to SAME’s Small Business Conference solo? A team of one can still make a big impact with the right strategy. Hear from experienced SBC attendees on how to prioritize your time, navigate networking opportunities, make meaningful connections, and get the most value from the conference without trying to be everywhere at once. -
- Webinar
Ready. Set. SBC: Small Team, Big Impact: Booth Best Practices for SAME SBC
You don’t need a large team or an elaborate booth to make an impact at SAME’s Small Business Conference. This webinar will introduce you to three very experienced SBC exhibitors who will share practical strategies for engaging attendees, start meaningful conversations, manage your booth with minimal staff, and make the most of every interaction.
Related TME Articles – STEM Outreach
SAME Strategic Partners – Learn More
As SAME moves forward in its second century, the Society—and its members—understand that the demands of tomorrow, both domestic infrastructure challenges, technological breakthroughs, and dynamic global threats in an era of Great Power Competition, will require a constantly regenerating pipeline of innovative, dedicated, and adaptable STEM professionals. Everyone has a role to play in securing America’s future…but the journey begins long before an individual walks onto their first project site.
Liza Grudin, Chair, K-12 STEM Outreach COI (2021-2023)