The Power of Volunteers in STEAM Education: A Conversation with Maureen Myrie

"Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is the lightning that does the work."

This quote has a special connection to Labor Day. Although everyone sees the business success, the hard work behind the scenes often goes unnoticed. That’s why we don’t miss any chance to shout out to our pillars. 

In The STEAM Generation, Labor Day holds special meaning. Our mission to provide experiential STEAM learning to kids would not be possible without the countless hours and devotion of our volunteers.

In this exclusive conversation, our CEO Maureen Myrie shares her insights on the transformative role volunteers play in shaping the future of STEAM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators. 

Here are some excerpts from our discussion:

• Why are volunteers so important to The STEAM Generation’s mission?

 Volunteers are the backbone of our work. They bring diverse sets of skills and experiences that strengthen our programs, enabling us to operate more efficiently. Apart from logistics, they help students to real-world STEAM careers through mentorship and storytelling, sparking curiosity and confidence. And when it comes to large-scale events and workshops, volunteers make the impossible possible—we simply couldn’t do it without their support.

• Can you share a memorable moment where volunteers made a real difference in a program or a student’s life?

One of the most inspiring examples was during our “Girls Let’s Build Day” workshop at the Protiviti office. Volunteers there went above and beyond, from packing engineering supply kits and sorting LEGO sets to guiding the girls through their engineering projects. Their support and contribution were instrumental in building the girls' confidence and enthusiasm for engineering. 

But what truly stood out was when Protiviti staff shared their personal career journeys in STEAM. That mentorship and storytelling gave our students a glimpse into what’s possible for their own futures.

We also rely on skilled volunteers for critical operational projects.

A great example is the global team of volunteers who designed and built The STEAM Generation’s website. Their work directly expanded our ability to connect with more families, educators, and donors, multiplying our impact far beyond the classroom.

• How do volunteers help expand access to STEAM education in underserved communities?

Corporate volunteer partners are vital in ensuring students in low-income areas have access to high-quality STEAM education. 

For instance, Shadow-Soft and other corporate groups sponsor and support our workshops at Title I schools, where the majority of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. These events offer hands-on projects, essential materials, and meaningful mentorship opportunities that students may not otherwise have access to. Through these partnerships, we’re able to break down barriers and bring STEAM directly to those who need it most.

• What message would you give to current and future volunteers about their role in shaping the next generation of innovators?

To our current volunteers: You are the heartbeat of our mission. Your dedication, energy, and time make an enormous impact—thank you for everything you do.

To future volunteers: You don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to make a difference. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to lend a hand. Whether you join us virtually or in person in the metro Atlanta area, your support has the power to inspire and change lives.

Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation

As we celebrate Labor Day, The STEAM Generation extends heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer who has helped us deliver engaging, hands-on STEAM experiences to children across communities. Their efforts remind us that meaningful work isn’t only about what we do for ourselves; it’s also about what we build for the future.

If you’d like to be part of this mission, we welcome you to join our growing network of volunteers and help us empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators.