Nation’s Biggest Honor IN STEM education

On October 15, 2019, The Clubhouse Network was awarded the nation’s highest honor in STEM mentoring. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) recognizes exceptional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) mentoring by individuals and organizations across the U. S. and its territories who display exemplary mentoring of groups historically underrepresented in STEM sectors and the STEM workforce. The program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

This award for STEM Mentoring recognizes the critical role that mentors play in the development of the future workforce.

Executive Director Gail Breslow accepted the award on behalf of The Clubhouse Network. She said, “this award pays tribute not to any one individual, but rather to the thousands of young people and mentors who have come together over the past 25 years to explore their own ideas, develop skills’ and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. The award shines a light on the unique Clubhouse learning approach that empowers teens from underrepresented populations to work with mentors who serve as role models and most importantly, it celebrates the youth themselves.”

Colleagues, administrators, and students nominate individuals and organizations for exemplary mentoring sustained over a minimum of five years. Since 1995, PAESMEM has honored the hard work and dedication which mentors exhibit in bringing underrepresented groups into the STEM career pipeline. Award selection is based on three criteria: outstanding impact, significance and potential for wider implementation, and quality of mentoring

Since 1993, The Clubhouse Network has been building and supporting creative and safe out-of-school learning environments where young people from undeserved communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. Through the Clubhouse Network’s unique group mentoring program, Clubhouse Mentors join a community of young people and adults who create, invent, and explore together using the latest in technology.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center @ PHASE 4 is apart of the The Clubhouse Network and fully supports the mission.