On Saturday, February 19, 2011, Project Still I Rise Inc. hosted its first S.T.E.M. [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] Empowerment Conference at the University of North Texas at Dallas campus. Project Still I Rise was able to create dialogue among administrators, teachers, middle-school students, as well as S.T.E.M. professionals and other influential members of our intellectual community to discuss the importance and criticality of S.T.E.M. and how it will impact generations to come.  There are many nationwide initiatives devised to inspire young people to cultivate an interest in science, technology, engineering and math that they need in order to become the problem solvers of tomorrow.  Statistically, the United States is currently falling behind in math and science (our students ranking 25th in math and 17th in science).  For kids in middle school today in the US, by the time they enter the job market – it will be nearly impossible to succeed without a good foundation in math and science.

Partners include the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) PSIR - PCI Chapter, The Coalition for Science Afterschool, NHP Foundation, Alpha Epsilon Boule’ Education Foundation, Texas Instruments, Rockwell Collins and Cisco Systems, Inc. and Virtual Computing Environment (VCE).  Project Still I Rise will continue with its programs and efforts to make S.T.E.M. a priority in our community so that our students will have a place in the next decade.