What is the STEM Ecosystem Hub?

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

Since its founding, STEM Library Lab has grown from a small pilot program to a flourishing 501(c)(3) organization, serving 83 regional schools and 500 teachers to date with innovative programming that promotes equitable access to STEM resources and equipment. With the only K-12 STEM equipment lending program in the area, and with an exclusive focus on working with and supporting educators – using the region’s teachers as the lever to generate broader impacts – STEM Library Lab is unique amongst other nonprofits in the local STEM space.

Most recently, the organization took a major step forward, moving its operations into a permanent home, known as the STEM Ecosystem Hub. More than just a physical facility, the STEM Ecosystem Hub is poised to serve as the space for connecting educators with nonprofits in the STEM sector –a space that promotes equity by ensuring that all localclassrooms have access to the physical and intellectualSTEM resources that students need to thrive.

STEM Ecosystem Hub Capital Improvements:

Philanthropic investment will enable STEM Library Lab to complete vital capital improvements in the organization’s permanent space, the STEM Ecosystem Hub. While STEM Library Lab is currently operating from its new facility, the space is not optimal to support the STEM ecosystem in a robust manner, or enable STEM Library Lab to harness its physical presence in service of increasing the organization’s earned revenue streams. Necessary capital improvements include:

• The formation of a “Teachers’ Lounge” on the main floor of the building.   Library Lab offers local educators free co-working space to network with resident nonprofits, as well as space for independent work outside the classroom walls. Educators also use the Teachers’ Lounge to test out lessons using materials from the Co-op before they utilize those materials in the classroom.
• The creation of state-of-the-art teacher classrooms for community usage.   Many local nonprofits that serve STEM educators operate from a small office, with only occasional needs for event or workshop space. Once the capital build-out is complete, local nonprofits and school administrators will be able to reserve workshop and classroom space in the STEM Ecosystem Hub to host their own professional development programming or convene grade level/content meetings.
• A build-out of the Teacher Free-Store.   Within the STEM Ecosystem Hub, the Teacher Free-Store is currently located in an adjacent shell warehouse space, not climate controlled or built out to meet the growing inventory and demand. Campaign investments will enable appropriate renovations of this space, including the addition of a new loading door for supply deliveries and donations.
• Other essential infrastructure upgrades.   Philanthropic support will enable other essential updates to the STEM Ecosystem Hub’s physical building, such as roof remediation, the addition of signage, and other ADA-compliant facility renovations.