Simplified: A new nonprofit aims to get more middle schoolers from underserved communities on an honors trajectory by providing mentorship and tutoring in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Meet STEM the Gap.

Why it matters

  • STEM the Gap was founded by Zak Okuwe, who experienced firsthand the challenges of college-level STEM classes when he left his post-high school job at Smithfield to pursue a degree in nursing.
  • His experience inspired the creation of the nonprofit, which will pair middle schoolers with mentors at Augustana University, as well as provide various other enrichment experiences and summer programming.
  • Okuwe hopes by building foundational STEM skills at a young age, it'll help set kids – particularly those living in poverty – up for success in the future by expanding their career prospects.
"STEM jobs are growing, and they're also well-paying," Okuwe said. "You can lift yourself out of poverty, but it does require hard work and discipline. These kids can have big dreams, but if they don't have the foundational knowledge to reach that dream, they're never gonna get there."

Tell me more about STEM the Gap

Okuwe, who came to Sioux Falls as a refugee at age 9, said he spent seven years in the workforce without a degree before enrolling at the University of South Dakota.

"At times, I felt like dropping out," Okuwe said, noting that he had to work extra hard to pass classes like algebra.
Zak Okuwe

Okuwe was inspired to found STEM the Gap so he could help other kids in underserved communities avoid some of those pain points in their own education by building math and science skills at a young age.

The hope is that the kids will learn how to learn at a very impressionable age – regardless of what career they pursue in the future.

"Even if these kids do not pursue a STEM field but end up inspired to reach their full potential, I would consider this program a success," said Clark Egland, an Augustana student and STEM the Gap board member.

What happens next?

STEM the Gap will run a pilot program this year with eight students from Whittier Middle School. The plan is to track their progress and hopefully expand the program to more students in the future, Okuwe said.

How can I help?

You can learn more here about ways to support STEM the Gap, including volunteer opportunities and financial donations.