The AFCEA Community's Relentless Commitment to STEM

When it comes to giving back to the community, AFCEA members excel in supporting STEM education. Whether it’s the Aberdeen Chapter’s Young AFCEANs getting thrown in “jail” to raise “bail” to send local students to a STEM summer camp or more extravagant fundraisers such as the Bethesda Chapter’s Roaring 20 Years of Giving Gala, AFCEA members consistently come out to support the students and teachers in their local communities. In fact, some AFCEA corporate members are devoted entirely to bringing STEM education to students who use it as a tool to change their lives and careers, such as Per Scholas, which offers computer training and certifications to low-income students free of charge.

Golf tournaments, 5K runs and socials were held across the country in 2018 to raise the funds students needed to succeed. For example, the Lexington-Concord Chapter took the money it raised from its spring gala and golf tournament to award 24 scholarships that came complete with paid internships at AFCEA member corporations and local laboratories. Not all of the awards were so conventional, though. The Central Maryland Chapter hosted its second annual Summer Intern Presentation Showcase, where interns had the opportunity to get feedback from experienced presentation coaches and the top presenters received scholarships from the chapter.

One recipient this year summed up what an AFCEA scholarship means to her education and career. “I was overwhelmed with emotions—excitement, relief and gratitude—when I received the notification,” writes Brooke Norval of Miami University about receiving the AFCEA STEM Teachers for America’s Future Scholarship. She is a mechanical engineer who is changing careers to become a high school math teacher. “I look forward to passing on my knowledge to my future students,” she says. As she points out, AFCEA’s impact is not only limited to the individuals who receive scholarships or grants but also to the people whose lives they touch.

Follow the AFCEA Educational Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories and information on upcoming events, and please consider donating when planning your year-end charitable giving. Your support is driving positive change and investing in the careers of future STEM leaders.