"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.
At The STEAM Generation we believe volunteers are key to achieving our mission of advancing Pre-K-8th grade education through immersive STEAM based programs. When people like you share your unique talents and experiences, you give our communities an immeasurable gift.
We know how valuable volunteerism is to us, and we could never thank you enough; now, let’s talk a little about how impactful it is to our volunteers.
Volunteering is good for your well-being
Life is demanding, and all too often it can feel like there is more to be done than time to do it. We get it! Did you know that volunteering can actually increase your perception of how much time you have and leave you feeling more content? Giving time to others can improve your mood, lighten your stress and leave you feeling like your time was spent in a meaningful way. Long story short, volunteering feels great!
The STEAM Generation’s volunteers have memorable and enriching experiences all while offering a great service to the children in our communities.
Volunteering makes you a change maker
An English poet once said “let’s light tomorrow with today”. The encouragement from those wise words reminds us that the things we do today have an immense impact in the tomorrow we create.
The STEAM Generation knows how important it is to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities they will face as the leaders, engineers, inventors and creators of their time. Partnering with us allows you to be part of educating and shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Volunteering bolsters your career
Looking to practice a skillset? Great! Volunteering can be used to hone existing skills or explore new ones. Plus, volunteer work could help you land your next job. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, “60% of hiring managers view volunteer work favorably” and leaders know that volunteering gives their employees more opportunities to build valuable skills.
The STEAM Generation has flexible volunteer opportunities that allow you to contribute your talents in a way that develops your own communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Volunteer assignments take your availability and personal growth interests into consideration to make sure it is a good match.
Volunteering expands your network
The ability to network is a vital skill but can sometimes seem a bit daunting. So, how do we network? At its core, networking is simply fostering meaningful connections with people. Volunteering expands your network by creating opportunities to meet new business professionals, collaborate on projects and to showcase examples of skills and professionalism.
The STEAM Generation takes great care to foster teamwork and collaboration amongst our volunteers. While there are some individual assignments, often our volunteers are asked to work with others to complete our most needed technical and operational projects.
Of course, we would love to have you join The STEAM Generation team, but more importantly, we hope you see the value in volunteering and getting involved somewhere! We offer virtual opportunities and option local to metro Atlanta. If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with us, head over to our VOLUNTEER Page for more info.
