Celebrating 120 Years of Inspiring STEM Talent
November 2025
By Maureen Haeger
STEM Forward’s story began on December 13, 1905, when 59 visionary engineers gathered in the Colonial Room of the Plankinton House to form what would become the Engineering Society of Milwaukee. As our community of innovators grew, so did our identity, eventually becoming the Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee (ESM) and, in 2011, proudly transforming into STEM Forward.
For more than 120 years, we’ve championed STEM education, empowered students and educators, and built powerful partnerships across southeastern Wisconsin. Today, we continue that legacy as the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
““STEM Forward has a profound impact on developing students’ complex thinking and reasoning abilities by engaging them in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. Through real-world problem solving, students learn to analyze information critically and apply creative solutions. Additionally, collaborative projects within STEM Forward foster strong teamwork and communication skills, preparing students to excel in academic and professional settings..” ”
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. We appreciate your generosity!
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!
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.
4) Join us on December 9th to celebrate our 120th Anniversary!
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, we’re bringing the STEM Forward community together for an unforgettable evening at BLU at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
From 5:30 to 7:30 PM, enjoy:
🌟 Inspiring conversations about our past and future
🌟 Breathtaking views from BLU
🌟 A chance to support upcoming STEM initiatives
🌟 Community, connection, and celebration with people who care about STEM as much as you do
No registration required. Bring your energy, your curiosity, and your friends! Mark your calendar and download the event flyer to spread the word, and help us toast to 120 years of progress and the bright future ahead. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
As we celebrate more than 120 years of impact, we want to thank all of the dedicated educators who have participated in our programming to inspire the next generation of STEM talent. We also want to give a special thank-you to all our volunteers, including judges, Day of STEM representatives, committee members, board members, and sponsors! Without your dedication and generosity, we couldn’t accomplish our mission.
Here is what Kim Miller, a current board of director and volunteer, had to say,
““From the very beginning, I was drawn to STEM Forward’s mission to inspire and cultivate the next generation of STEM leaders in southeastern Wisconsin. As a board member, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to strategic initiatives that support students, educators, and industry partners, bridging the gap between education and opportunity.
One of the highlights of my tenure has been helping to strengthen the partnership between STEM Forward and Eaton. As a sponsor, Eaton has played a small role in supporting key initiatives that expand access to STEM education and career pathways. I loved witnessing the direct impact of our programs. Whether it was seeing students light up during the STEM competitions, supporting scholarships for aspiring engineers, or collaborating with local schools to teach a bit about STEM and how I use it in my everyday work, each moment reaffirmed the power of community and innovation.””
To learn more about how to get involved, please click below. As we mark over 120 years of impact, we celebrate our heritage and look ahead with excitement for what’s to come!
Posted November 2025 by Maureen Haeger, Marketing Communications & Program Manager, STEM Forward.
