Honoring Our Past, Inspiring the Future
Our story began on December 13, 1905, when 59 visionary engineers gathered in the Colonial Room of the Plankinton House to elect the first officers and directors of what was then called the Engineering Society of Milwaukee. As the organization grew to include a broader range of technical professionals, it became known as the Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee (ESM).
In 2011, the organization embraced a new name—STEM Forward—to reflect its expanded mission and commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across southeastern Wisconsin. Today, STEM Forward is proud to serve as the region’s leading nonprofit and technical organization, dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of innovators through educational outreach, hands-on programs, and meaningful community partnerships.
As we celebrate over 120 years of impact, we honor our rich heritage and look ahead with enthusiasm. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone and shaping the future of STEM together by getting involved in the following ways!
1) Make a Donation
STEM Forward is a 501(c)(3) organization; your donation is tax-exempt. Donations enable us to continue our STEM awareness and outreach efforts locally, regionally, and statewide. Your financial support is crucial to programs such as the Future City Competition, Engineering Machine Design Contest, Contrapt Wisconsin, Day of STEM, scholarships, and more! As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, we invite you to donate $120 (or any amount meaningful to you) to help us continue inspiring the next generation of innovators. There is also a monthly recurring option, so consider donating $12 monthly.
Thank you for investing in STEM talent — your donation is greatly appreciated!
Instructions:
To donate, use the PAYPAL, CREDIT CARD, OR DEBIT CARD button. Once you click the button below, you will be directed to complete your transaction. Select the first option from the drop-down menu, “120th Anniversary Campaign”.
2) Register as a Volunteer
Celebrate STEM Forward’s 120th anniversary by giving the gift of your time! Join us as a volunteer and help inspire the next generation of innovators through hands-on STEM activities, mentorship, and community events. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply passionate about education, your involvement makes a lasting impact. Be part of our legacy—sign up to volunteer today and help us shape the future of STEM!
Why Volunteer?
Make a Real Impact: Your time and talents support students, educators, and programs that spark curiosity and confidence in STEM fields.
Inspire the Next Generation: Help young minds see what’s possible through mentorship, judging competitions, or leading hands-on activities. You can't be what you don't see.
Grow Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals, educators, and STEM enthusiasts who share your passion for making a difference.
Determine Your Commitment: We have a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from one hour to mentoring a team weekly during competition season. You decide how much time you can give!
Fuel the Future: Volunteering helps build a stronger, more innovative future for Milwaukee and beyond.
Thank you for investing in STEM talent — your time is greatly appreciated!
Instructions:
To register, click on the button below to be entered into our volunteer database.
3) Share Your Story on How STEM Forward has Impacted You!
To celebrate our 120th Anniversary, we’re inviting individuals to share stories about how STEM Forward has made a positive impact on their lives. Throughout the year, we’ll feature these stories as part of our anniversary campaign on our website, social media, and other marketing platforms.
Your story matters! Submit it now and be part of our 120th Anniversary celebration.
Instructions:
Click on the button below to complete and submit the form. Consider uploading photos as part of your submission.
4) Join us on December 9, 2025, to celebrate our 120th Anniversary!
On Tuesday, December 13th, we will gather at BLU, at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, to celebrate past accomplishments, raise funds for future initiatives, and connect with supporters who share our vision! Mark your calendar to join us from 5:30 to 7:30 PM for drinks and appetizers.
Reach out to Maureen Haeger at mhaeger@stemforward.org with your questions