NoMa STEAM

The mission of NoMa STEAM is to create equitable afterschool learning opportunities for underserved and underrepresented students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics so a successful future is attainable.

NoMa STEAM was formed in 2022 when founding members realized there was a significant gap in STEAM resources and opportunities for students living and attending schools in the North Main Columbia area. Through the efforts of local partnerships, NoMa STEAM started FIRST Robotics Team 9315 Coding Comets which uses challenging and collaborative problem-solving to equip students with marketable STEM skills as they work with volunteer mentors and field experts to build large, competition robots. In fall 2023, the FIRST LEGO League Explore Team 29860 was started to develop a pipeline of scholars who are efficient in building, coding and programming. Along with adult mentors, members of the FRC team serve as Junior Mentors and Counselors for our LEGO camp hosted by a local elementary school. We are hoping to expand our program by offering a FIRST LEGO League Challenge team in fall 2025 to engage students in the middle grades.

We began building The Bridge of Hope Community Garden in spring 2024 to provide fresh produce to senior citizens while engaging youth in meaningful community service. Volunteers aged 8 to 88 contributed over 350 hours last year, and it continues to grow.

Testimonials

"I am so grateful for this program. ..my son liked to build and create things. [This program] was perfect for him. It gave him an outlet to express himself."

"The organization's commitment to bridging the gender gap in STEM fields is also commendable. The Million Women Mentors initiative, highlighted by [four female] participants, is a testament to NoMa STEAM's dedication to fostering female participation in STEM. Their presentation [recapping] the 2024 FRC season to an audience of over 150 girls and women was a powerful moment of inspiration and empowerment."

"NoMa STEAM's dedication to education, community, and empowerment is truly commendable. "