The Untold History of STEM

In October of 1987, while teaching at School 14 in Troy, NY. Beverly P. Schwartz created a collaborative program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to help bring the New York State Science syllabus to students in her third-grade class through demonstrations, hands-on lessons, individual projects, and field trips to RPI. Originally called Learn Tech, in 1990, Ms. Schwartz renamed the program Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

After the initial launch in the third-grade classroom, the program was disseminated to other classrooms of School 14. As a result, Ms. Schwartz earned the 1990 Christa McAuliffe Award for New York. The STEM program was filmed by NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, narrated by Ann Curry, and presented by Jane Pauley on November 27, 1990.

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One of Beverly Schwartz's first mentors: Donald Aulenbach, PE, Ph.D., F.NSPE
the photo of him with the 3rd graders. Donald Aulenbach was on the first board in 1987 helping create the first STEM program. He created hands-on lessons plans, trained with teachers, helped with Science Fairs and got involved with MATHCOUNTS.
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Donald served for years as a regional and State coordinator of the New York State MATHCOUNTS, a yearly math competition for middle school students. He was a member of The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) /National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) for 40 years!

A Celebration of STEM
May 9, 2025 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm - Click Here to RSVP
The Well, Legislative Office Building, 198 State St., Albany, NY 12210

[Link]Beverly Schwartz will be receiving a Congressional Commendation from the Congress of the United States presented by Congressman Paul Tonko of New York for the creation the Science, Technology , Engineering, & Mathematics program - STEM. New York State Assemblyman Phillip Steck will also present a New York Assembly Citation to Beverly Schwartz for the creation and contributions to STEM and education as a whole and for having the first 501(C)(3) not-for-profit corporation in New York State named STEM.

This event will also celebrate all students, engineers, mentors, teachers, administrators, parents, and area businesses that participated in the first STEM program in the Capital District of New York.

All are welcome to attend! Click Here to RSVP