On Saturday, December 9, 2023, I asked the question “How did you spend your Saturday?” in a LinkedIn Post.

I had the opportunity to spend my STEM Saturday at the NSBE Houston Professionals #STEMEducation event in partnership with the Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) and the HP STEM Volunteer team. In my opinion, there is no STEM without IEEE.

​Fresh Start is a full day of interactive workshops for children & youth in grades 3 through 12. The workshops cover a variety of engaging STEM-related experiments to introduce and stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Fresh Start is held in the Spring and Fall at various collegiate and NSBE Jr. campuses.

​The 2023 Fall Fresh Start program was sponsored by HP Inc. and Rice University. Fresh Start, was a one-day STEM-based event that was designed to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM subjects, for grades 3-12 to have hands-on engagement.

Students discovered experiments and collaborated in a series of dynamic science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workshops, fostering an interactive and creative environment that encourages students to delve into the realms of exploration.

Students discovered experiments and collaborated in a series of dynamic science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workshops, fostering an interactive and creative environment that encourages students to delve into the realms of exploration.

The program brought together a diverse group of professionals, educators, and mentors who are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts. Through thought-provoking workshops and activities, The Fresh Start program aims to break down barriers and demystify complex concepts, making STEM subjects not only accessible but also exciting.

Thank you to the Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) that supports and promotes Rice University’s wide-ranging efforts to improve K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in all Houston-area school districts.

The highlight of the day for me (Christopher Sanderson) was working with this local High School # STEMInnovators and meeting up with fellow NSBE Ghana  #NSBEGoldenTorch winner and IEEE Ghana colleague Billy James Dega who was traveling to the states and made himself available to participate and catch up.

We are IEEE “Advancing Technology for Humanity” in all communities. 

Article submitted by: Christopher Sanderson, SMIEEE, IEEE-HKN Board of Governor, Region 5-6 2021-2023, R5 Director-Elect 2024 – 2025