The Inspiration Behind the Organization

"When we applied for the STEM Council and didn’t make it, we felt disappointed," Isabel shared. "But after some discussions, we realized we could still make a difference. Our vision expanded beyond just our school to encompass students across North America."

The experience of rejection sparked a new dialogue among them about future possibilities, leading to the establishment of STEM Support. They all agreed that what seemed like a setback ultimately opened new opportunities.

Tips for Aspiring Young Leaders

Mark offered advice to other teens interested in starting their organizations: "Identify a common issue that many young people face and work toward addressing it. Passion for the cause is crucial to building a successful organization."

The Role of Resources in Their Journey

Mark highlighted that Discord played a pivotal role in their early organization development. "It became our primary communication tool. Now, we also use Instagram to strengthen our connection with members."

Navigating Challenges

Isabel discussed the hurdles they faced while forming their organization: "We had to determine logistics like team assembly, naming our organization, and defining our mission. It took time, but by assigning roles based on our strengths and interests, we organized ourselves effectively."

They also sought guidance from other organizations, which was invaluable. "Creating a calendar for deadlines and task assignments helped streamline our efforts."

Memorable Moments

Reflecting on their journey, Isabel recalled a special moment: "Seeing our mascot for the first time was incredible. It truly embodied STEM Support's essence. We also enjoyed brainstorming name suggestions together, ultimately naming it Oliver."

Another milestone was reaching 1,000 followers on Instagram. "It was amazing to witness our growth from just one post on November 15, 2020, to nearly 4,000 followers today."

Building a Team

Isabel explained how they initially recruited friends who were passionate about making a difference in STEM. As their organization expanded, they opened the application process to include more general members, many of whom have since taken leadership roles.

Balancing Responsibilities

Mark shared his strategies for managing school and extracurricular activities: "I use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking. I try to complete schoolwork efficiently to free up time for STEM Support and other activities."

Current Programs and Future Aspirations

Lily highlighted their ongoing initiatives: "We share new opportunities every Tuesday and aim to collaborate with more organizations for larger programs. Recently, we worked with Team Ink and Metal on the STEM Olympics Hackathon."

They aspire to evolve STEM Support beyond a resource hub into a comprehensive guide offering advice and interactive programs, including webinars and Q&As.

Leveraging Social Media for Outreach

As the Director of Internal and External Affairs, Isabel emphasized the importance of social media in their outreach. "Building connections with other organizations has been essential. Consistency in posting opportunities and engaging our audience has helped us grow."

They focus on catering to North American students, offering opportunities that resonate with their audience.

Invitation to Connect

Lily encouraged anyone interested in STEM to visit their page. "We have resources for building resumes and getting involved in various STEM fields. We welcome inquiries and aim to foster a community of learners."

Follow STEM Support on Instagram: @stemsupport_

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