About STEM Greenhouse
LIVING OUR MISSION
We know that our children have their best chance to succeed if they have a solid STEM foundation. Faced daily with overwhelming need, we at STEM Greenhouse choose to take action and make an impact.
After-school STEM Programming
STEM Scholars, an after-school program making a difference.
5-Week STEM Summer Academy
Sankofa STEM Academy, a fun summer learning opportunity.
Join us in the fight for equity in education.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are at Our Core
We believe in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees, board members, volunteers, no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability are valued and respected.
We are Committed
to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunities for employment and advancement in all departments, programs, and worksites.
We Recognize and Value
diverse life experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are respected and heard.
We are Committed
to modeling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the students we serve and maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
the stem greenhouse Village
There is a familiar African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child.
We are honored you choose to be part of our village.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
At STEM Greenhouse, we believe in representation. It is important that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is visible all the way up to our leadership team. And, we are so appreciative of these wise, passionate, and dedicated individuals who support our mission.
DR. KELI CHRISTOPHER
STEM Greenhouse
Founder and Executive Director
Leader, educator, and changemaker committed to making it easier for students of color to succeed in STEM education, pursue STEM careers, and feel supported in a way that had been absent for her growing up.
She holds a fervent belief that building positive relationships and connections are as important as the curriculum in urban K-12 education.
“One person can change generations by influencing the life of a child.”
Awards
North Carolina A&T, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Distinguished Alumni Award (2023)
Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, Role Model Education Award (2023)
Michigan Founders Fund, Community Trailblazer Award (2023)
Urban League, Nolan Grace Business Leadership Award (2023)
Grand Rapids Symphony, Dr. Malinda Sapp Legacy Award (2021)
Betty Van Andel Teacher of Excellence (2020)
West Michigan Women's Magazine, Brilliance Award in the Social Change Agent category (2020)
Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Business Leaders Under 40 (2015)
Milo Brown Business Giants Award (2015)
Addressing Diversity in STEM
Formed in 2014 by Dr. Keli Christopher, STEM Greenhouse aims to address the lack of diversity within the STEM professions. As a girl in an inner-city school who lacked confidence in math, she never imagined that she would become the first Black person to get a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois and the third black woman in the world to hold a Ph.D. in that field.
The future of STEM depends on strong youth education
After working as an engineer and educator, Dr. Christopher started a science and math education business focused on fun, hands-on science and math experiences for K-12 students. Working with students throughout the greater Grand Rapids area gave her further insight to the inequality in STEM education among various districts, races, genders, and socioeconomic classes.
Support STEM Greenhouse
One of the best ways you can support our mission is by making a regular monthly contribution.Â