Philanthropic Partnerships: An Invaluable Community Resource for Funding STEM Educator Development

A bright, curious middle schooler may already believe she isn’t a “math person.” She might not have seen anyone like her in a STEM career, or she hasn’t yet experienced the thrill of solving problems with numbers, circuits, or code. Maybe her teacher sighs when handing back her latest math or science quiz.

By eighth grade, her path in STEM can start to narrow. She might skip algebra or take only the minimum science credits, seeing technology as something to use, not create.

Teachers can change that—but only if they have the right support. Too often, professional development is generic or irrelevant, leaving educators not equipped to engage every learner.

The National Math and Science Initiative fills that gap. Through targeted, high-impact training, we equip teachers to create inclusive, hands-on STEM experiences. With the right guidance, a teacher can spark curiosity in students, help them navigate challenges, and show that STEM isn’t just for “other kids”—it’s for them too. 

Why This Matters NowThe United States faces a projected shortfall of 1.4 million STEM workers by 2030. But this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the countless young people, especially from under-resourced communities, who would have never got the chance to see themselves in STEM. The path forward begins not in boardrooms or laboratories, but in classrooms, where students first discover if a future in STEM is possible for them.

Only 29% of students believe a STEM career is within reach—and that number drops sharply for girls by middle school. The early message that STEM isn’t “for them” has a lasting impact.

NMSI focuses on what matters most: teachers. Equipped with relevant, high-quality professional development, they bring STEM to life, helping students see themselves as innovators and creators. And philanthropic partnerships make this transformation possible.

What Partnership Looks Like in Action

Partnership isn’t just about writing a check. It’s about stepping into classrooms, investing in teachers, and showing students that their community and the broader world supports and believes in them.

Take Emerson. For two years, one of the world’s largest semiconductor leaders has invested in teacher professional development and hands-on student programming while also becoming a major participant in initiatives like We Love STEM. Emerson’s CEO, Lal Karsanbhai, underscores why this work matters: “Empowering every student with access to quality early education and academic resources, regardless of his or her race, gender or zip code, will build incremental opportunities and progressive change."

Karsanbhai has personally joined students at We Love STEM events, modeling the kind of leadership that makes young people feel seen and educators feel supported. Emerson employees, too, have rolled up their sleeves; leading student projects that give kids a taste of real-world problem-solving and innovation. This combination of financial investment, leadership and employee involvement shows how a fully engaged partnership can open doors far beyond what funding alone could accomplish.

Take TC Energy, for example. Their goal wasn’t to spread thin gifts across dozens of organizations, but to go “all in” on a few they found significant. For them, the partnership is about preparing local students for workforce opportunities in the energy sector. For students, it means early exposure to math and science that could spark lifelong careers.

General Motors, ExxonMobil, and Texas Instruments bring yet another dimension. GM amplifies NMSI’s work on social media and in communities. ExxonMobil provides flexible support that allows schools to adapt STEM programs to local needs. TI doesn’t just fund, they convene, connecting other leaders to the cause and elevating STEM education at national forums.

NMSI is also exploring regional strategies to strengthen partnerships and broaden impact. 

In Arizona for example, NMSI is working with Helios, the Semi Foundation, and other funders to build a strong regional STEM pipeline. Early activities—like student showcases at the Semicon West and Semicon Junior conferences—are helping to empower local talent and anchor long-term investment in the state.

Together, these partners show what’s possible when corporations commit presence and advocacy along with money.

A Ripple Effect in Classrooms Nationwide

And our efforts are working: NMSI has reached more than 70,000 teachers and 2.7 million students nationwide. Students in classrooms led by NMSI-trained teachers consistently show higher achievement and stronger STEM mindsets. For Black, Hispanic, and female students—the very groups most underrepresented in STEM—the gains are even greater.

But beyond the statistics are the stories: a girl who thought she “wasn’t good at math” proudly completing her first coding project; a teacher who once dreaded professional development leaving a NMSI workshop energized and eager to try new strategies; a corporate leader who saw firsthand how just a few hours of mentorship can change a child’s trajectory.

The Path Forward

The need is urgent, but the opportunity is extraordinary. With every new partnership, more teachers are trained and more doors open for the next generation of innovators.

An ideal partner for NMSI is a company that sees beyond the bottom line—one that knows investing in STEM education means building a brighter future for everyone. 

Boardrooms and laboratories may invent the tools of tomorrow, but classrooms are where tomorrow’s innovators are made. Together, we can ensure that every student has a fair chance to step through that door.

To learn more about how your organization can collaborate with NMSI, connect with our partnership team today.