The STEMpreneur Initiative bridges the gap between education and industry by equipping educators at all levels with the tools they need to holistically integrate STEM education into classrooms.

About us

Over the years, The STEMpreneur Initiative has supported educational efforts with institutions such as Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering, the University of Virginia’s Center for Community Partnerships outreach initiatives and College Board's Career Kickstart initiative. These programs explore the possibilities of STEM careers with students at the K12 and collegiate levels, as well as working with teachers. The STEMpreneur Initiative has a strong track record of facilitating professional development workshops and trainings for teachers targeting both content mastery and classroom management. The TSPI team is now working to expand effective pipeline programming across the state of Virginia for the upcoming school year.

We are a team of STEM Professionals (Administrators, Engineers, Tech Specialists, Chemists, etc.) with backgrounds in education, which sets us apart from the average. With a strong passion for STEM education, The STEMpreneur Initiative (TSPI) Team takes advantage of every opportunity to give back to the next generation(s) through the exploration of the possibilities of STEM careers with students at the K12 and collegiate levels, as well as working with teachers.

Mission

To empower educators by providing high-quality professional development, mentorship, and hands-on training in STEM and the Engineering Design Process, ensuring they are equipped to inspire the rising generation of world changers and innovative leaders with the skills and knowledge needed for future success in STEM Career fields.

Vision

We envision a future where every classroom is supported by educators who are confident and capable of teaching the art of critical thinking and problem solving, fostering students who exhibit creativity, resilience and a diversity of perspectives prepared to tackle global challenges and drive technological progress.

What is the purpose for The Initiative:

The purpose of The STEMpreneur Initiative is to bridge the gap between education and industry by equipping educators at all levels—pre-service, in-service, and aspiring teachers—, and in all capacities - in school, out of school, community based, etc.- with the understanding, the tools and resources, and the support they need to holistically integrate STEM education effectively into classrooms. Through strategic partnerships with schools, higher education institutions, and industry, we aim to create sustainable pathways for teacher and student success in STEM fields.

You can help shift traditional paradigms in STEM education.

Our team

Board of Directors

Staff

Elizabeth “Beth” Kelly

President

Brian K. Smith

Vice President

D’Ivonne Holman

Executive Director

Amber Smith

Chief Operating Officer

Kenneth Holman

Treasurer

Derrick Henley

Secretary

Isi Azeke

Chief Financial Officer

Devin Canaday

Founder/Chief Strategist

Our approach

Professional Development

STEM is about application, not rote memorization. The best way to deliver a STEM lesson is to create a classroom environment of “organized chaos.” The STEMpreneur Initiative delivers evidence-based, high-quality professional developments for educators with the expressed intent to help them develop a deeper understanding of STEM content, the intersectionality of the core subject areas and create an environment of exploratory learning for students.

TSPI partners with schools to provide professional learning opportunities for educators. These professional learning sessions range from 1 to 4 days in length and dive into the implementation of STEM and the Engineering Design Process within classroom settings. Through a curated process that ties together classroom management, content mastery and equitable learning practices, teachers explore how to provide their students with the courage to think critically and ideate new ways to solve old problems.

The learning sessions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the teaching staff. The successful completion of sessions and associated assignments can be submitted for CEU credit hours toward license renewal.

K-12 Programming

As a strategic partner, our team helps school divisions and community organizations build and sustain effective STEM programs. At the primary grade levels, the focus of education is fostering a passion for learning and exploration in each young learner. Our programming leverages award-winning, nationally recognized curricular units that introduce students to the broad world of science and engineering in a way they can directly relate to their own worlds.

At the middle school and high school levels, TSPI builds upon the primary foundations through the introduction of entrepreneurial, financial literacy and business concepts, as well as leadership development training. This dynamic approach expands learners’ minds to consider the possibilities, whether they are moving into industry or planning to create the next technological paradigm shift.

College Pipeline Programming

One of the biggest concerns in education is the alarming attrition rates of new teachers being experienced across the country. In response, The STEMpreneur Initiative leans into the proper preparation of new teachers by helping develop critical skills for teacher-candidates (collegiate students pursuing degrees in education). These teacher-candidates (TC) are trained by the TSPI team of experienced educators and STEM practitioners, then paired with instructional coaches who support their growth as they deliver student programming.

With the goal of building and/or strengthening the hiring pipeline between the higher ed partners and the school division, TC’s are recruited from local universities and colleges. Through this approach, the teacher-candidates participate in Out-of-School Time (OST) opportunities that allow them to apply their learning, while connecting with the demographic of students they may have in their future classrooms and gaining familiarity with nationally recognized STEM curriculum that meets national standards. As a result, these future educators build both confidence and competence in their ability to be successful, all in a safe, low risk, exploratory setting.

Trainings

Our trainings are grounded in research-backed instructional strategies and current learning science, ensuring educators gain practical, proven tools that enhance student outcomes and classroom experiences.

Evidence-based, high quality professional developments

We design every session to integrate seamlessly with national and state academic standards, ensuring educators can confidently meet accountability goals while delivering engaging, inquiry-driven instruction.

Align with and support National and State Standards

By shifting the focus from control to facilitation, we help educators build student agency and structure learning environments where curiosity, independence, and self-regulation thrive—reducing behavior management needs.

Help educators teach more and manage less

Our trainings provide tools to reach diverse learners—including those who struggle academically or behaviorally—through strengths-based, inclusive practices that cultivate resilience, connection, and growth.

Empower teachers to help challenging students succeed

We don’t just talk theory—we model it. Educators leave with real-world activities, design challenges, and strategies they’ve practiced and can immediately implement in their own classrooms.

Merge pedagogy with hands-on application and practice

Through human-centered instructional models and a focus on the whole child, we equip teachers to build equitable, culturally responsive classrooms where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Create learning environments to close achievement gaps