Liu combines hands-on science education with wildlife conservation, biodiversity research and environmental learning for young students.
What began in 2022 as a few free workshops held at a local library has grown into something much more than that. The organisation now works with 48 community partners, including libraries, YMCAs, Title I elementary schools and youth organisations. The organisation’s latest impact figures record 459 workshops conducted, 15,163 young people reached, 5,895 volunteer hours contributed and 18,525 STEM kits distributed. These figures reflect its growth beyond the earlier milestones of 375 workshops and more than 13,000 kits reported by the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
A homemade catapult, a miniature wind turbine or a simple robotics experiment can do more than just introduce a child to science. It can spark the confidence to imagine a future in engineering, technology or environmental research. In Katelyn Liu’s case, a young lady from California, the foundation for an ambitious endeavor was established by making these experiences available to children who might not have had the opportunity to participate otherwise. Wow! That’s STEM, a youth-led nonprofit reaching thousands of students across continents. Scroll down to learn about her journey. Her own experiences growing up interested in STEM shaped the initiative. Having once worried about whether she belonged in the field, Liu wanted younger students to experience science as something they could actively participate in rather than simply study in textbooks. Its workshops encourage children to experiment with engineering concepts through activities such as building catapults, designing wind turbines and coding robots. Through WOW! That’s STEM, students participate in wildlife hikes, community science activities and habitat restoration initiatives. Liu has also received a microgrant from Roots & Shoots USA to introduce biodiversity research and life science education into Los Angeles classrooms. Her environmental work has additionally earned her Eagle Scout recognition. The action taken by Liu demonstrates how youth-led action can make science education more accessible to all students. What started as an attempt to help a few girls feel at home in STEM has become a growing international effort, encouraging thousands of young people to see themselves as scientists, innovators and future environmental stewards.