The Midwest Institute for STEM Research is a St. Louis-based organization bridging the gap in STEM education for underrepresented youth. Formed following the federal government’s reduction in DEI funding, the institute acts as an overseer and funding engine for the local National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr. chapter. By serving K–12 students through monthly hands-on engineering workshops at St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley, early mentorship, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence integration, the institute has empowered hundreds of local graduates to complete engineering degrees and pursue advanced technical careers.
In a world increasingly driven by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), one St. Louis-based organization is proving that opportunity, mentorship, and vision can change the trajectory of young lives.
The Midwest Institute for STEM Research Foundation is helping students discover that careers in STEM are not distant dreams—they are attainable realities.
With a mission to ignite curiosity, build capacity, and expand access to STEM education, the institute connects students, families, educators, and community partners through engaging, research-based programs. Its vision is bold yet simple: to ensure every student—regardless of background—has the opportunity, support, and inspiration to pursue STEM pathways that lead to personal success, community strength, and global innovation.
“Our work is about more than teaching science and math,” says Ronald Moore, Program Director of the Pre-College Initiative (youth program) for the St. Louis Gateway Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), who also oversees the Midwest Institute for STEM Research. “It’s about helping young people believe they belong in STEM and giving them the tools to succeed.”
Filling the Gap: The Birth of the Midwest Institute
The foundation was created following the federal government’s cutoff of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) funding, according to Moore.
“There’s still the NSBE Jr. chapter,” Moore explains. “It’s just that the Midwest Institute will be the overseer and provide funds for the junior engineering program.”
NSBE operates across three distinct levels:
- Professionals
- Collegiate Students
- Junior Engineers (3rd Grade through 12th Grade)
Event Spotlight: Next NSBE Jr. Meeting
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Location: St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley (Engineering Building)
- Cost: FREE to attend
- Registration: Open on-site or in advance via the website
Creating a Pipeline to STEM Success
Young minds naturally lock into the endless possibilities of technology when adventure tickles their imaginations. Many of these young participants will become the innovators who invent, design, analyze, and build complex systems to benefit our local communities.
“Children starting as early as age eight usually grasp key concepts when they are exposed to STEM,” says Moore.
Students gather monthly at St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley (“Flo Valley”) for hands-on learning, professional development, mentoring, and engineering exploration. These Junior Engineers meetings provide consistent opportunities to build technical skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships with industry professionals.
A Supportive Ecosystem for Youth
Through a holistic approach, the institute reinforces the belief that success in STEM requires a thriving ecosystem:
- STEMFEST hands-on outreach events
- Research Initiatives & Seminars
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Family Engagement Activities
Did You Know? In St. Louis alone, more than 500 local youth who started in elementary and high school programs have gone on to graduate with STEM degrees.
“The vast majority attended predominantly white institutions, but we continue to encourage our students to take a look at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) because they provide a wonderful and unique experience,” Moore adds.
A Legacy That Began with Three Students
The institute’s strong foundation relies on a legacy that began over two decades ago through the NSBE Pre-College Initiative.
In 1999, members of the NSBE St. Louis Alumni Chapter assisted three Metro High School students in launching a local Pre-College Chapter. Three accomplished female engineers played instrumental roles in establishing the chapter:
- Starlene McDuffy – Electrical Engineer, NAVAIR
- Karlynnta Oregduba – Electrical Engineer, AmerenUE
- Miya Dawkins – Electrical Engineer, Dial/Henkel
The inaugural chapter began with just 19 Metro High School students. Remarkably, 15 of those original 19 members went on to pursue full careers in engineering—a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, early exposure, and high expectations.
By the Numbers: Impact Since 1999
- 900+ youth participants served
- 300+ students earned or are actively pursuing engineering degrees
- 14 participants earned or are actively pursuing doctoral degrees (Ph.D.)
Closing the Racial Gap in Engineering
As America seeks to strengthen its STEM workforce, the Midwest Institute for STEM Research continues to prove that investing in young talent—particularly from historically underrepresented communities—produces measurable, long-term results.
Today, African Americans represent only 4.5% of engineers in the United States. To achieve workforce parity, that number needs to reach 13%. To bridge this gap, NSBE has set a national goal to increase the number of Black engineering college graduates to 10,000 annually.
To reach these ambitious goals, NSBE and the Midwest Institute are actively spreading the value of early STEM education throughout the St. Louis community.
Preparing Students for the Future: AI as an Engineering Tool
As technology evolves, the institute is ensuring its curriculum adapts to modern demands—including artificial intelligence. While some fear AI may eliminate technical jobs or degree requirements over time, Moore sees it differently.
“AI is a tool, and I use it on the technical side. It saves time and money. It doesn’t eliminate engineering jobs—it enhances them,” Moore says. “We are making sure our students are well-versed in it. We have upcoming seminars focusing on how to use AI as a tool for conducting research, technical writing, and developing new ideas.”
50 Years Strong: How NSBE Fuels Dreams
Founded in 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) stands as one of the largest student-governed organizations in the United States, championing the ambitions of collegiate, pre-collegiate, and professional engineers.
While collegiate NSBE chapters exist nationwide, the organization is actively expanding its reach to support Black students at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions.
Locally, the St. Louis Gateway Chapter has spent approximately 35 years serving the regional engineering and technology sectors through:
- Engaging technical discussions
- Comprehensive personal and professional development
- Structured mentorship programs
- Direct career placement services
From a handful of high school students in 1999 to hundreds of future researchers and scientists today, the Midwest Institute for STEM Research and NSBE are actively shaping the innovators who will solve tomorrow’s greatest global challenges.
#STEMEducation #BlackEngineers #StLouisSTEM
