Our Mission

What is STEM?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it's more important than ever that our nation's youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, know-how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. These are the kinds of skills that students develop in science, technology, engineering, and math — disciplines collectively known as STEM.

“United States is a STEM deficient nation.”

Condition of STEM

According to ACT’s “Condition of STEM 2017,” there are 2 major facts:

Fact 1: Workers in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are in high demand

Fact 2: The number of STEM occupations in the U.S. will grow by 8.9 percent between 2014 and 2024

Here comes the sad truth which is difficult to admit - the United States is a STEM-deficient nation.

Some of the key findings of the ACT report drive the mission of our organization, The Future Brighter. The findings are:

Finding 1: STEM interest and achievement in the U.S. have changed little in the past five years

Finding 2: Under-served students are at a huge STEM disadvantage

Finding 3: Students need access to core STEM courses

According to National Science Foundation (NSF), “In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.”

In an effort to address some of the findings and take some action, The Future Brighter (TFB) was formed in the summer of 2019, as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on the following:

  • Raise the awareness of STEM education, generate interest among kids at a very early stage (elementary grade levels) by working with local schools and PTA. This will be done by sponsoring additional after-school STEM clubs and activities.

  • Provide direct mentoring and tutoring help to middle school students interested in getting admitted to selective STEM schools such as Fairfax County’s TJHSST, and Loudoun AOS.

  • Raise awareness by conducting lectures, demonstrations through renowned STEM professionals.

  • Be part of the advocacy group for more STEM courses and schools in the area.