We can’t achieve our goals alone. Partnership is core to everything that we do – from community partners who deliver the Programs in their schools, to individuals and organizations, to volunteers who increase our capacity. The power to make progress lies in leveraging the expertise and resources of others.
We see this value lived when we are seeking and sustaining productive relationships, leveraging what others bring to the table to improve and further our work with a mutually beneficial partnership that ensure that success for both STEM exCEL and our partner is achieved.
We value our partners and honor them daily through our consistent operations, striving for improvement and ensuring transparency in all essential decisions and needs.
Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)
The park system is the primary public mechanism in Fairfax County for the preservation of environmentally sensitive land and resources, areas of historic significance and the provision of recreational facilities and services. Classes, camps, special events, trips and tours are listed in Parktakes, the Park Authority’s quarterly leisure services guide available through free subscription to county citizens and online.
STEM exCEL offers classes and camps through FCPA's Parktakes, all year round.
Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA)
A powerful voice for all children; A relevant resource for families and communities; and a strong advocate for the education, health, and well-being of every child. Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA) shall cultivate meaningful partnerships among stakeholders (i.e., parents, students, school system, and community) while serving as the primary resource for parent advocacy and involvement within Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
STEM exCEL is an official sponsor of FCCPTA and offers countless at-school programs throughout Fairfax County via the hard-working PTAs and PTOs of the region.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services offers reliable, scalable, and inexpensive cloud computing services.
STEM exCEL leads STEM education events for Amazon's Herndon location during Bring Your Child to Work Day.
Working Moms & Dads of GMU
George Mason University's Working Mothers Support Group is "available to women interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers. Working mothers face unique issues, and coming together over lunch fits schedules and allows members to discuss their experiences in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment."
Similarly, the role of a father comes with many dimensions but without a guide book. The Working Dads Group offers George Mason University dads the opportunities to get together regularly to swap stories and gain insight into the fathering role.
STEM exCEL coordinates with the Working Mothers Support Group and the Working Dads Group to schedule STEM education opportunities for their children.
Mason Game & Technology Academy (MGTA)
MGTA is the Community Outreach Youth Program for George Mason University’s Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) and the Mason Computer Game Design Program. MGTA offers age-appropriate technology courses for students, ages 9-18, teacher training workshops, and an Executive Education Certificate program.
STEM exCEL and MGTA have been able to create synergistic curricula that allows students to move seamlessly from STEM exCEL enrichment programs to MGTA classes, once the students age out of the STEM exCEL Computer & Coding Clubs.
National Society of Black Engineers GMU Chapter
NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.” We strive to stay true to our mission statement at all times. This is an organization where we are not solely dependent on one individual, but, we work together to help each other succeed.
STEM exCEL partners with NSBE in hosting Girls Day STEM Fest events, in order to inspire girls to pursue STEM.
Women of Color in STEM at Mason
WOCSTEM is an organization dedicated to the advancement and retention of women of color in STEM fields by providing guidance, mentorship, academic, and moral support.
STEM exCEL partners with WOCSTEM in hosting Girls Day STEM Fest events, in order to inspire girls to pursue STEM.