Science Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc

Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc. (SEM Link) is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that was founded in 2005 by Tokiwa T. Smith in Atlanta, Georgia on the premise that exposure to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community is critical to K-12 students pursuing STEM careers.  Hence, the organization being named SEM Link, because the essence of our work is connecting youth to the STEM community for youth to provide them with positive adult role models in STEM. Our programs and events increase students’ awareness of STEM Careers and encourage their participation in STEM Research through digital learning and hands-on activities.  Since the organization’s inception SEM Link through our programs and events over 500 STEM professionals have exposed over 15,000 youth to over 50 different STEM career paths as well as supported hundreds of young STEM research trainees.

  SEM Link’s mission is to strengthen the self-efficacy of K-12 students to pursue STEM careers by exposing them to positive adult role models from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community that increase students' awareness of STEM careers and encourage their participation in STEM Research through digital learning and hands-on activities.

Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc. (SEM Link) has a two-core hybrid program model, Community STEM Program and Experimental Design Program, that provides K-12 students with digital learning opportunities and in-person programs and events in Metro Atlanta.   SEM Link’s programs increase K-12 students' awareness of STEM Careers and encourage participation in STEM research through digital learning and hands-on activities. 

Our Experimental Design Program teaches youth to read, write, do, and talk STEM through digital learning, group mentoring and social media. This program also supports young STEM Researchers and Innovators by providing judges for STEM competitions.  The Experimental Design Program Activites are:

• STEM Journal Club-  This develops the STEM Communication and Literacy skills of high school students by teaching them how to read, analyze and discuss STEM Journal articles

• .STEM Fair Judging- SEM Link recruits volunteers to serve as judges for STEM competitions

• STEM Literacy Program- This goal of this program is to provide youth with opportunities to develop their STEM literacy skills through various literacy initiatives.

Our Community STEM Program focuses on providing STEM activities in community spaces, has digital and in-person learning opportunities that expose youth to STEM through career exploration, hands-on activities, and interactive demonstrations.

• STEM at the Library- a program for youth ages 7-12 to introduce them to STEM career pathways through hands-on STEM activities.

• STEM Outreach with the Homeschool Families-  STEM events that serve youth whoare in non-traditional educational settings.

• Teen Science Café- workshops to introduce teens to STEM careers through career exploration and hands-on STEM activites and interactive demonstrations

• Art Contest and Art Show- For students interested in both STEM and Art to explore those interests by submitting artwork to the contest that may be featured in the art show.Community Special Events-Events to engage youth in hands-on STEM activity that explore various STEM career paths/disciplines .