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About the NSTMF

Our mission is to build
inclusive STEM
communities across the
United States.

OUR MISSION & VISION

Our mission is to build inclusive STEM communities across the United States. Fundamental to these communities are the significant, inspirational connections we foster between the individuals who have received national recognition for excellence in STEM and today’s diverse generation of college and high school students. Together they will pave the way for a more equitable future in science and technology.

Our vision is to be a driving force in creating a world in which the diversity of the American society is reflected in the recipients of all prestigious STEM honors, including future Laureate classes of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

About NSTMF

The Challenge

We envision a world in which the diversity of the American society is reflected in the recipients of all prestigious STEM honors, including future Laureate classes of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Before we see a new class of Laureates that represents both the highest levels of science and technology and reflects our diverse society, we must build a STEM ecosystem that supports all who wish to endeavor there.

To make that dream a reality, we must turn our gaze to one of the most vulnerable parts of the STEM pipeline: an undergraduate’s journey from enrollment to graduation with a STEM degree. The high attrition rate of first-year STEM students, especially those from underrepresented groups, perpetuates a representation problem in collegiate and post-collegiate communities.

We believe that intervention at this point in a student’s journey is critical. Any young person who dreams of being a scientist or inventor should receive the education, mentoring, and inspiration to help that dream bear fruit.

ANY YOUNG PERSON WHO DREAMS
OF BEING A SCIENTIST OR INVENTOR
SHOULD RECEIVE THE EDUCATION,
MENTORING AND INSPIRATION TO
HELP THAT DREAM BEAR FRUIT.

Creating a world in which the
diversity of American society is
reflected in the recipients of all STEM
honors, including future classes of
NMS & NMTI.

OUR ROLE

We want things to work differently in STEM communities where current power dynamics keep too many in the margins and a homogenous few in the spotlight. So, we are creating spaces for the next generation of STEM professionals that are built on our values. These guiding values come from our firmly held belief that if all members of STEM communities could express their authentic selves in the classroom, lab, or boardroom, we would all be better for it.

STEM is exacting (ask any organic chemistry student), but it is also a profoundly human enterprise, and as such, it is not immune from the ills of society. Racism, sexism, and ableism are among the many -isms that, at best, ignore and, at worst, kill the most marginalized of us. Centering people, specifically those who have been historically excluded from STEM, is imperative because our humanity will take us further than our objectivity can.

We believe that of all the incredible accomplishments that come from science, technology, engineering, and math, the best are yet to come. STEM’s greatest breakthrough will come when no student needs an advocate like us, when inclusion and equity are built into the model.

To get there, we must increase representation and remove barriers to access so that far more students can see both where they want to go and how to get there. For our part, we will continue to be a platform for the voices left out of the conversation and a resource for students who long to see themselves, be themselves in STEM communities. Join us in building STEM spaces where all can flourish.

Our Values

Photo of About NSTMF
  • Driving towards equity in our workplace and the communities we serve
  • Empowering all individuals to pursue the best version of themselves
  • Embracing holistic wellness as the paradigm for success
  • Breaking down barriers to access wherever we can
  • Giving respect and gratitude to those helping us on our way

Annual Reports

Discover how we’ve been working to build inclusive STEM communities across the United States. Through our annual reports, we are pleased to be able to share with you – the supporters who make our work possible – our achievements over the past several years.

Meet the Team

Staff

  • Andy Rathmann-Noonan

    President

  • Mayowa Awe, Ph.D.

    Senior Director of inSTEM

  • Kate Biddle

    Senior Director of Development

  • Joanna Chou

    Assistant Director of inSTEM

Board Leadership

  • Vinton G. Cerf

    Chair and Treasurer

  • Monique Dorsainvil

    Vice Chair

  • Megan Roberts

    Secretary

Board Members

  • Alisa Bergman

  • David Canada

  • Howard Ekundayo

  • Todd Elmer

  • Robin Rathmann-Noonan

  • Smita Satiani

Emeritus Board Members

  • George Rathmann

    Founder

  • Gordon Bell

    National Medal of Technology 1990

  • James L. Rathmann

  • Richard Elkus Jr

  • David Fischhoff

  • Gordon E. Moore

    National Medal of Technology 1990

  • C. Kumar N. Patel

    National Medal of Science 1996

  • Ted W. Love

  • Kirk Raab

  • Philip A. Sharp

    National Medal of Science 2004

  • Robert White

CONTACT US

3222 N Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20007
610.719.7472

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