STEM Champions
The 2026 application window opens in late August 2026.
2025 STEM Champions
Are you conducting IEEE STEM outreach events for pre-university (school-aged) students or educators in your local community on behalf of IEEE? Would you like to help inspire other volunteers to get involved in STEM outreach? Then, we want to hear from you!
The STEM Champion Program empowers dedicated volunteers to become local champions of STEM outreach, serving as vital connectors to IEEE’s extensive STEM resources while inspiring others to get involved. By facilitating outreach efforts, reporting key metrics, and fostering engagement within their communities, these Champions play a crucial role in advancing STEM education. In recognition of their contributions, IEEE is elevating their role, instilling a greater sense of responsibility, and ensuring impactful results that drive meaningful change in the STEM landscape.”
All active IEEE Members are invited to submit an application during the open window to be considered as an IEEE STEM Champion. The applications are reviewed and those who meet specific criteria are selected. Champion applications are reviewed and additional Champions selected annually.
What are the Benefits of Being Selected as a STEM Champion?
- Recognition for your contributions to pre-university STEM education
- Opportunity to be involved in a community of STEM outreach volunteers
- Access to an online platform to interact with other Champions, PECC Members and pre-university staff members
- STEM Grant and special session funding opportunities
- Opportunity to build Region and Section awareness of your work
- Ability to support IEEE pre-university education metrics by sharing your events and event results
- Access to Champion-specific STEM outreach resources/webinars
Who is Eligible?
All active IEEE Members conducting STEM outreach for pre-university (school-aged) students and/or teachers on behalf of IEEE. Champions will be selected across all Regions.
Note: The IEEE STEM Champion title is a designation given to an individual IEEE volunteer. It is not a Region or Section officer position.
What are the Responsibilities of an IEEE STEM Champion?
- Conduct a minimum of two (2) pre-university STEM outreach events between 15 May 2025 and 30 April 2026. (This may be in-person or virtually.)
- Post the events and share the results in the IEEE vTools platform by 30 April 2026
- Submit a final report of STEM outreach work by 30 April 2026 (form to be provided)
- Join the Pre-University STEM Community through your member account by 30 April 2025
- Complete the “Pre-U STEM: Getting Started “ course by 30 April 2025
- Serve as a reviewer for either the STEM Grant or STEM Champion Program
- Participate in and promote the 2025 STEM Summit
- Promote IEEE’s pre-university education programs
- Help build IEEE’s pre-university STEM outreach volunteer community
What are the Selection Criteria?
The Pre-University Education Coordinating Committee (PECC) and a team of IEEE Member reviewers will review all proposals using the following criteria:
- Statement on the pre-university STEM outreach work you’ve been doing on behalf of IEEE.
- Statement on how you would help to contribute to TryEngineering’s community and how you would promote TryEngineering’s resources and programs.
- Explanation of how your STEM outreach work is aligned with the IEEE Pre-University Education Coordinating Committee’s mission, vision, and core values.
Take a look at the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 STEM Champions who were selected.
What is the Submission Date and Timeline?
- Application window opens in late August 2026
- Selections announced in late October 2026
How do I Submit an Application?
The 2026 application window will open in late August 2026. The application link will appear here.
STEM Champions Gallery
STEM Champions are dedicated to STEM outreach initiatives aimed at supporting school-aged children. These exemplary volunteers are helping IEEE empower the next generation of technology innovators through their efforts in providing STEM outreach in their local communities.