A convenor, a community hub, a change-agent for teachers 

STEM Library Lab serves as a leading convener in the Greater New Orleans educator ecosystem, working hand-in-hand with local educators to eliminate the barriers that prevent schools from providing the highest caliber of instruction.

Since our founding, STEM Library Lab has grown from a small pilot program to a flourishing 501(c)(3) organization, serving over 1000 teachers annually with innovative programming that promotes equitable access to teaching resources and STEM equipment. With the only K-12 STEM equipment lending program in the area, and with an exclusive focus on working with and supporting educators, we are unique amongst other nonprofits in the local educator space.

In 2021, we took a major step forward, moving our operations into a permanent home, known as the STEM Ecosystem Hub. More than just a physical facility, the 10,000 sq. ft. STEM Ecosystem Hub serves as the space for connecting educators with resources, equipment and over 200 local nonprofits, making it a space that promotes equity by ensuring that all local classrooms have access to the physical and intellectual resources that students need to thrive.

A renovation for innovation | The Capital Renovation Campaign

As the demand for our services continues to grow, our building urgently needs upgrades.

With no climate control in our Teacher Free-Store, not only is it inefficient for supplies, teachers also face uncomfortable conditions while trying to find what they need. Our growing team lacks adequate workspace to do day-to-day tasks while supporting the teachers and nonprofits that use our space for workshops, trainings, meetings, resource fairs, etc. 

Philanthropic investment will enable us to complete vital capital improvements. While STEM Library Lab is currently operating, the space is not optimal to support our robust growth. By raising $400,000 by the end of 2025, these upgrades will not only double our impact but also foster collaboration, innovation, and educational excellence across Greater New Orleans education landscape. With your support, we can ensure that the STEM Library Lab continues to empower educators so they can inspire the next generation of innovators.

Capital improvements include:

• Innovators’ Lab – Upstairs, the current office spaces will be restructured to create the Innovator’s Lab, a flexible space open to nonprofits to book for workshops, training sessions, retreats, and more. This will ensure that downstairs, the Teachers’ Lounge remains a dynamic convening and coworking space for educators to collaborate and network.
• Teacher Free-Store – A major overhaul to the Teacher Free-Store, our most utilized program, will create a dedicated garage and donation intake station for our SLL on Wheels program, as well as allow natural light and climate control systems to create a comfortable environment for teachers to engage.
• Workspace | Floor 2 – Two open coworking bullpens offer flexibility as well as a collaborative and communal work environment. Four new offices and a small conference room will accompany new equipment cupboards to accommodate the Library’s growing collections. These modernizations will ensure our growing team is able to meet the needs of teachers and schools across Greater New Orleans.