You chose to provide a short written description (up to 300 words) explaining how your organization makes an impact in the community.Arizona’s economy is growing in STEM fields like semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace engineering, bioscience, and renewable energy. These industries need people who can solve problems, think scientifically, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. SARSEF helps Arizona students build those skills early, especially students who might not otherwise have consistent access to high-quality STEM learning.
Many students, teachers, and caregivers face barriers to meaningful STEM engagement. Teachers often lack the time, materials, or training needed to make inquiry-based science part of regular classroom instruction. Students may have limited access to structured STEM programs outside of school, and caregivers may not have the tools or confidence to support science and engineering learning at home. During summer and fall breaks, those gaps can grow wider.
SARSEF addresses these challenges through STEM Education and Outreach programs that support learning in school, after school, and during extended breaks. Its programs do not operate as one-time experiences. They work together across settings and seasons to help students build curiosity, confidence, and persistence over time.
Through programs such as Early Childhood Educational Outreach, What Do We Wonder?, Fair Workshops, High School Research Support, Racing the Sun, PRISM research mentorship, Afterschool STEM Programming, Roadmap to a Rockin’ Project, Summer STEM Programs, ACES Camp, and GALS, SARSEF connects students with hands-on science and engineering opportunities while also supporting teachers and caregivers.
Last year, SARSEF served 35,682 students, 796 teachers, and 2,454 caregivers across 207 schools, including 148 Title I schools and 117 rural schools. SARSEF is especially committed to reaching female students, students of color, students experiencing poverty, and rural students. If awarded, ACFU funds will help SARSEF serve 35,000 students across 200 schools, expanding access to STEM learning that can shape Arizona’s future workforce and open doors for students across the state.
Social media handleshttps://www.facebook.com/SARSEFaz
https://www.instagram.com/sarsefaz
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sarsef/
https://www.youtube.com/@SARSEF