THE OZARK STEM FOUNDATION'S MISSION IS TO FOSTER HIGH-QUALITY SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES K-16. WE WORK WITH STUDENTS, TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO BUILD A SUSTAINING "MAKER" COMMUNITY EQUIPPED TO CHALLENGE AND TO MEET THE CHALLENGES AROUND THEM. WE SERVE AS A CONNECTION POINT AND A RESOURCE POOL AS WE COLLABORATE WITH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTNERS ON SPONSORED PROJECTS TO IMPROVE STEM OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS AREA. OUR GOAL IS TO HELP ESTABLISH NWA AS ONE OF THE PREMIER STEM LOCATIONS FOR STUDENTS .