As a boy, Dr. Mackie had learned the importance of STEM as a tool to advance society. One day, helping his father, a roofer in New Orleans, his father said, “See those people in suits coming in and out of this building? If you stay in school, you could be one of those people.”
With the support of his family and teachers, Dr. Mackie became the first Black professor of engineering at Tulane University to become tenured. He had lived up to his uncle’s words: “You are going to be an engineer.” STEM had expressed itself in many ways in his family. His brother, Anthony Mackie, went into acting and became the first Black Captain America in the Marvel Universe, relying on his proficiency in STEM to win battles against stronger foes.
However, Dr. Mackie’s own children had become disillusioned with STEM, with his third-grade son coming home one day saying, “I don’t like science anymore. My teacher was just writing on the board and not doing anything hands-on.” So, in their family garage, Dr. Mackie started doing his own STEM projects with his son. Quickly, his son started getting A grades, while his friends struggled. Dr. Mackie realized the difference was the result of hands-on exposure to STEM. If his son’s friends were exposed to the same lessons he was teaching his son, they would be just as smart. Dr. Mackie sought to share these resources with others who might not get the same opportunities. Seven years ago, STEM NOLA became that vehicle.
With the support of government, philanthropic and private sector leaders, STEM NOLA and our other sites teach science, technology, engineering and math through comprehensive videos, classes and gatherings, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders to become innovators, creators and entrepreneurs. Through award-winning programs on topics from biotechnology to computer science and stem cell research, STEM NOLA and other locations, such as Grambling, Shreveport and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Biloxi, Mississippi, provide activities, events and virtual learning to countless communities, teaching the 21st century skills of communications, collaboration and critical thinking.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization specialized in bringing STEM experiences to urban neighborhoods, with children engaging in fun projects from creating rocket-cars using vinegar and soda to making rockets propelled by air pressure. The organization works to relate STEM to the real world so that children see that STEM skills can lead to jobs for the 21st century.
Since 2013, STEM Global Action has engaged more than 70,000 K-12 students, 17,000 families and 2,150 schools in hands-on STEM activities. Its award-winning programs have focused on underserved communities. Over 80 percent of participants have been a part of free or reduced lunch programs, getting free admission, and 45 percent of participants have been girls.
With COVID-19, STEM NOLA is teaching online, shipping kits to communities nationwide. The program is now fundraising to build a 42,000-square-foot STEM Innovation and Workforce Development Center in New Orleans. Dr. Mackie and STEM NOLA have created a STEM ecosystem model that is scalable, reproducible and sustainable, and they are now taking the vision to communities around the country. Dr. Mackie has been called an “Educator Making a Difference.” With STEM NOLA bringing STEM to life, he is realizing his vision to spread his passion for STEM — one child at a time, one community at a time.