As we close the chapter on 2024, we reflect on a year brimming with transformative milestones, powerful collaborations, and a shared commitment to fostering belonging in STEM education. At Beyond100K, we believe that connection is the root of change, and this belief has guided every initiative, partnership, and step forward this year.
Breaking Ground with YOU Belong in STEM
Since its inception in December 2022, our partnership with the U.S. Department of Education through the YOU Belong in STEM initiative has been a beacon of collaboration and impact. Together, we have convened the nation’s greatest minds and created spaces where diverse voices come together to co-design solutions that increase diversity and belonging in STEM education.
This year, we launched the Solution Lab to Revolutionize Teacher Workforce Data Systems, a bold initiative to uncover and address the root causes of the teacher shortage. Partnering with state leaders, nonprofits, researchers, and federal agencies, we laid the groundwork for tools that will bring clarity to teacher supply, demand, and retention
challenges. In an unprecedented collaborative effort involving 17 contributors, we selected SETA-ED to support the design of the tools needed to understand and address these systemic issues, amplifying our capacity to tackle workforce challenges head-on. Additionally, Beyond100K participated in the Census Bureau’s Opportunity Project, working on scalable digital solutions to address these systemic issues.
Belonging remained central to our work. In April, we joined the YOU Belong in STEM 2nd Annual Summit, partnering to amplify strategies that foster inclusive and equitable learning environments.Later, in September, we co-hosted a webinar that focused on cultivating BIPOC STEM educators, highlighting their experiences, and identifying practical ways to transform school cultures into supportive and connected communities. These conversations underscored a guiding principle: belonging isn’t an add-on—it’s essential for success.
Amplifying Our Mission on National Stages
In 2024, we deepened our ties to national movements for STEM equity.
As an anchor partner of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance, Beyond100K took center stage at the White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence, aligning our mission with a nationwide coalition of over 200 organizations. Our role in this coalition underscores a commitment not just to addressing the STEM teacher shortage but to ensuring that every teacher and student feels seen, valued, and connected.
Our insights into systemic change were highlighted at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Summit, sparking meaningful conversations about equity in STEM education. Beyond100K’s voice was heard at over 20 conferences this year, where we shared innovative solutions and inspired educators, leaders, and policymakers to join this movement for transformative change.
Strengthening Partnerships and Expanding Our Network
The transformative power of belonging was brought to life at our Annual Summit, themed “Belonging is the Root.” Through interactive workshops, thought-provoking panels, and informal conversations, partners explored what it means to create spaces where every teacher and student feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
This sense of collaboration extended through our Collaboration and Implementation Grants, which supported initiatives like identity-affirming climate change curricula and multilingual learner programs. Our six newly launched Project Teams are tackling systemic challenges, from designing socially-just STEM school administrations to guidelines for
fostering belonging in preschool professional development. These partnerships reaffirmed that innovation flourishes when driven by shared purpose and collaboration.
The Beyond100K network grew even stronger and more vibrant this year, welcoming 41 new partner organizations dedicated to equity and belonging in STEM education. This included the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education at Arizona State University, one of the nation’s largest Hispanic-serving institutions, and several organizations focused on recruiting and retaining Black STEM educators. Nine new partners from across the Southwest—spanning Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Oklahoma, and Texas—joined the movement, bringing fresh energy to efforts supporting Latine and Indigenous students and educators. Together, this growing network is shaping a future where every STEM classroom reflects the values of equity, representation, and belonging.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this remarkable year, we are filled with gratitude for the community we’ve built and the work we’ve accomplished. Each story, partnership, and initiative is a testament to the transformative power of connection.
As we look to 2025, we carry this spirit forward with renewed determination. The challenges are significant, but so is the opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for students, educators, and communities nationwide. Join us in celebrating this year’s achievements and stepping boldly into the possibilities of tomorrow. Together, we’re not just imagining a better future—we’re creating it.
