STEAM Education

Mission

The mission of the Center is to foster the intersection of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) by providing identity-affirming platforms that empower youth, particularly those from underrepresented and under-resourced communities.

We aim to inspire and equip youth in grades 3-12 to contribute to the global advancement of STEM fields. Through collaboration with educators, community organizations, and local businesses, the Center supports initiatives that help youth thrive in STEM and succeed in high school and beyond.

Vision

We are committed to cultivating and sustaining a community learning center rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural liberation with an emphasis on culturally responsive STEM literacy.

What We Do

We design and deliver culturally responsive STEAM education to children in grades 3-8. Through partnerships with cultural arts centers, colleges, libraries, and museums, we aim to create engaging out-of-school programs and events that inspire curiosity and foster creativity in STEM careers.

Out-of-School programs and events:

Partnerships with museums, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other Minority Serving Institutions, with opportunities for intergenerational learning with elders who support curriculum and community engagement
Indoor and outdoor campuses
Mobile and virtual learning sessions

What We Believe

Authentic educational spaces nurture your spirit, cultivate your identity, and amplify your voice.

Co-constructing teaching and learning environments in which arts and humanities are integral to the understanding and application of STEM to advance classroom and local community relationships.

Mentoring partnerships create education and career pathways for students.

LRM is proud to partner with the Center for Universal Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Humanities

Current donations to the STEAM education programs will support youth with access to:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics supplies

Read The Latest

S.T.E.A.M. Education Workshops Add Arts, Humanities to Science

One non-profit organization in Lawrence, Kansas is looking to lead the charge when it comes to blending the humanities with traditional S.T.E.M. learning. This approach is not "more art than science," or vice versa. It's a balanced blend of both. The "A" in the...

Cornerstone Scholars (2024, 2025)

The Center for Universal STEM and Humanities launched the Cornerstone Scholars Grant at the LRM Foundation Juneteenth production in 2024. Each year, the Cornerstone Scholars Grant honors exceptional students who embody our core values of equity, belonging, and excellence in STEAM education. We invite educators and community leaders to recommend outstanding local high school seniors who represent the spirit of this award.

Juneteenth 2025 STEM event

Celebrate Juneteenth with a vibrant blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics! Explore the legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois through his groundbreaking Data Portraits, discover the power of storytelling with data, craft your own dazzling kaleidoscope, and enjoy hands-on STEAM activities that honor creativity, innovation, and freedom.

We lead the charge when it comes to blending the arts and humanities with traditional S.T.E.M. learning. This approach is not “more art than science,” or vice versa. It’s a balanced blend of both. The “A” in the acronym S.T.E.A.M. quite literally adds art to the traditional science, technology, engineering, and math construct. A series of workshops are being hosted by the LRM Foundation in partnership with the Center for Universal STEM and Humanities.

Dr. Shakiyya Bland founded this culture based STEAM learning program. Dr. Shakiyya Bland and Dr. Julitha Rials hosted a workshop at the Lawrence Public Library where students (grades 3 through 5) learned about the biomechanics of a human hand. The workshop explored more than just the nuts and bolts of the machinery. A cultural context was applied. Please watch our video to learn more.

If you would like to get involved with programs like this, please email info@lrmlawrence.com.

✨ Announcement: New Book Launch!

Description

When families join the equation, they inspire and empower every student mathematician

Many secondary math educators feel the gap between home and school when it comes to engaging families in their students’ mathematical development. While traditional guardian involvement often lessens after elementary school, research shows that authentic family engagement during the critical middle and high school years can significantly impact student success. Building Family–School Partnerships in Secondary Math offers a research-backed approach to bridging this divide, grounded in the Standards for Mathematical Practice, Math Language Routines, and Funds of Knowledge frameworks.

This practical guide addresses the unique challenges of secondary mathematics education—from the cognitive and social changes students experience during adolescence to the increasing complexity of mathematical concepts. Rather than adding unrealistic demands to already busy teachers and caregivers, the book provides actionable strategies that honor the strengths and knowledge that educators, students, and families bring to the learning process.

Key features include:

Culturally responsive frameworks that connect students’ lived experiences to powerful mathematical practices
Ready-to-use templates for family letters, at-home activities, and communication tools
Authentic vignettes showing successful family engagement in action across diverse communities
Reflection questions and activities designed for both educators and families to use together

Available on: Corwin

Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support us along this journey!