Have you ever built a solar-powered car or toured a working fusion lab? Thanks to the Boston-based nonprofit STEAM Ahead, students across Massachusetts are doing just that.
STEAM Ahead helps high schoolers, especially those in historically under-represented communities, learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). With support from MassCEC through its EmPower Program, STEAM Ahead launched a new Clean Energy Initiative to get students access to information and education about clean energy and the environment -- building a diverse generation of future STEAM leaders through community events, hands-on learning, mentorship, and leadership experiences.
MassCEC’s Clean Energy Workforce Needs Assessment found that over 30,000 additional clean energy workers are needed by 2030 to support the state’s energy transition. Through its Clean Energy Initiative, STEAM Ahead raises awareness about renewable energy careers and expands access to knowledge and resources for historically under-represented communities.
Since launching in 2023, STEAM Ahead’s Clean Energy Initiative has served over 600 students and 1,900 residents, sparking curiosity and fostering future-ready skills in STEAM and sustainability. Young people are our future, and clean energy is a big part of that future. Programs like STEAM Ahead help ensure everyone has the chance to learn, lead, and contribute to healthier communities.
“Receiving the MassCEC EmPower Implementation grant was a transformative milestone for STEAM Ahead because it enabled us to greatly expand both our reach and impact.
“With MassCEC’s support, we’ve launched new programs that advance STEAM education and workforce development, engaged more communities, and reinforced the foundation of our organization for long-term growth. This kind of support is essential for nonprofits like ours who often operate with limited resources while addressing complex, systemic challenges. The MassCEC EmPower Implementation grant doesn’t just sustain our work—it encourages innovation, unlocks opportunity, and ensures that mission-driven organizations like ours can lead lasting change in the communities we serve.”
- Loren Paul and Alix Holder, co-founders of STEAM Ahead
Clean Energy STEAM Kits: Hands-On Learning
STEAM Ahead's Clean Energy STEAM Kits include all materials to build functional models (solar cars, wind turbines, and more) while exploring real-world energy challenges.
Immersive Field Trips and Career Exposure
Beyond the classroom, field trips connect students with real-world STEAM and clean-energy projects. So far, over 435 students have participated in 13 field trips, including:
- Museum of Science: Students watched the IMAX film Cities of the Future and joined a clean-energy scavenger hunt focused on sustainability innovations.
- MIT Plasma Science & Fusion Center: Students toured a fusion research facility and participated in hands-on workshops on advanced energy technologies.
- Postsecondary visits: Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston College, and more.
Youth Leadership Symposiums: Renewable Energy Career Exposure
STEAM Ahead has hosted three Youth Leadership Symposiums to date, partnering with leading institutions including the MIT Plasma Science & Fusion Center, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and Boston College Engineering, as well as collegiate student groups such as the MIT Army ROTC - Paul Revere Battalion and the MIT Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.
These immersive daylong events expose high school students to clean energy and environmental innovations while developing leadership skills through workshops and connections with industry professionals and collegiate mentors. They deepen clean-energy learning and connect students to career pathways through campus and industry partners. Key themes explored so far include:
- Solar & Wind Energy: Students engineered fast and efficient solar- and wind-powered cars in a design challenge.
- Fusion Energy: Students toured a fusion reactor and developed sustainable, clean-energy powered city models as part of a Future City design challenge.
- Environmental Engineering: Students explored ways to test water quality and create affordable water filtration systems through hands-on labs and design challenges.
After these events, 94% of students reported increased interest in STEAM degrees and/or careers, and 75% reported increased interest in clean energy or environmental science.
Kendall (11th-grade) said, “One of the highlights that came with working with the professor for water filtration was learning the behind the scenes and the micro details that really go into building filtration systems.”
Diya (11th-grade) shared, “For me STEAM Ahead has been beneficial because it’s helped me form connections and network.”
Community Outreach and Clean Energy Resources
STEAM Ahead supports students and whole communities. The organization has participated in 15 community events, including Boston Red Sox STEM Education Day, using interactive games and trivia to engage families and share actionable information.
STEAM Ahead has published a Clean Energy Resources Guide for communities with tips on saving electricity and accessing rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. It has also created an interactive website with a clean energy curriculum and resources on other STEAM topics.
In addition, STEAM Ahead has launched a social media series covering:
- Renewable energy: savings and benefits
- Local Resources: rebates & weatherization tips
- Upcoming events: how to get STEAM kits
STEAM Ahead continues to grow. Its upcoming Community Ambassadors and Workforce Program will empower youth with the skills, experience, and confidence to pursue careers in clean energy and STEAM. Through hands-on learning, professional mentorship, and real-world projects, students will build leadership skills and explore career pathways.
Take the next step
- Sign up for STEAM Ahead’s newsletter
- Email info@westeamahead.org to partner on initiatives or get pre-packaged STEAM kits
- Follow STEAM Ahead on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn