Latino STEM Alliance

The Latino STEM Alliance is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit organization dedicated to fostering interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) among urban youth, particularly those from underserved communities. Founded in 2010, it was established by three Latino engineers with a vision to increase opportunities for Latino students interested in STEM fields.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Latino STEM Alliance is to bridge the gap in STEM education for underserved students, with a focus on empowering Latino youth. It aims to provide them with the mentorship, resources, and opportunities needed to pursue careers in STEM. The organization seeks to address the shortage of STEM professionals in the United States, which affects national security and global innovation.

Programs and Initiatives

• Robotics and Coding Programs: LSA develops and implements robotics curricula for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. It provides educators with the necessary training, equipment, and technology support to run these programs, often in the form of after-school clubs, electives, or workshops. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous yet emphasizes creativity and hands-on learning, encouraging students to explore STEM in a fun and engaging way.
• Virtual and In-person Programs: While traditionally based in schools and community organizations, during the pandemic, LSA successfully transitioned to remote programs. It now offers a "Robotics in Medicine" curriculum that allows students to build robots virtually. The organization also plans to incorporate virtual reality and arts-related components into its programming to transition from STEM to STEAM.
• Mentorship Opportunities: LSA provides students with mentorship opportunities, field trips, and annual competitions to showcase their skills. This exposure is crucial for students who may lack familiarity with STEM careers, helping them envision themselves in these roles.

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, the Latino STEM Alliance has positively impacted over 4,000 low-income students of color in the Boston area. The organization is committed to expanding its reach beyond Boston to serve more students across gateway cities. Despite challenges such as operating with a relatively modest budget—relying heavily on contributions—LSA remains focused on its mission of inclusivity and accessibility.

Leadership and Governance

Karen Chacón serves as the Executive Director of the Latino STEM Alliance. The organization is governed by a board of directors comprising individuals dedicated to its mission.

Financial Overview

As a non-profit, the Latino STEM Alliance relies primarily on contributions for its operations. Its financial reports show that it manages with a mix of assets and liabilities, reflecting the challenges faced by many similar organizations in maintaining financial stability while pursuing their social objectives.

[1] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/6ca0b5edbd654852b9dd61b2d72ee995-latino-stem-alliance-boston [2] https://www.vernier.com/blog/latino-stem-alliance-sparking-interest-in-science-exploration-for-underserved-youth-with-robotics-and-project-based-learning/ [3] https://massmentors.org/blog/stem-program-spotlight-latino-stem-alliance/ [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/271941096 [5] http://latinostem.org