STEM SaturdaYS

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Class overview

STEM Inspire

My name is Earl S. Bell, and through Marechkawick Polytechnic Institute—named for a centuries-old designation of the Brooklyn area—I established STEM Inspire as a community education initiative that continues a STEM program I originally developed more than 20 years ago at the Wyckoff Community Center in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Seeing my son’s strong interest in STEM and history, alongside the financial barriers surrounding many high-quality programs, reinforced my conviction that meaningful STEM education should be free, open, and accessible to everyone.

My interest in science, technology, and invention began early in Brooklyn. As a child, I participated in science fairs whenever opportunities arose, developing independent experimental and project-based work during my time at PS 38. Although the environment did not actively cultivate this interest, it allowed sufficient space for self-directed exploration, hands-on experimentation, and early technical inquiry. These formative experiences strengthened my independence and deepened my resolve to pursue more rigorous, inspiring technical education.

After PS 38, I relocated to Virginia, where I engaged in structured STEM programs, including the Technology Student Association (TSA) and RAPME. These programs demonstrated the impact of intentional STEM education—how well-designed technical instruction builds confidence, creativity, technical literacy, and long-term intellectual direction.

I later returned to Brooklyn for high school and went on to attend Pratt Institute. During the 1990s, while studying at Pratt, I developed a community-based STEM initiative in Boerum Hill, centered on hands-on learning, design thinking, programming fundamentals, and the direct transfer of technical knowledge into the neighborhood.

That body of work became the foundation for what would ultimately evolve into STEM Inspire.

Today, I want children and families in New York and New Jersey to have access to STEM programs that are not merely tolerated, but deliberately constructed to inspire—programs that integrate engineering, programming, information technology, creativity, invention, and real-world application.

Through STEM Inspire, I am sharing everything I have learned openly, freely, and accessibly with anyone who seeks to learn.

STEM Inspire provides structured, real-world learning in:

Architecture and engineering drafting
Rendering, visualization, and 3D digital modeling
Robotics, coding, and systems design
Programming and information technology (IT)
Creation, invention, and problem-solving

Children and adults are welcome.

We are currently finalizing a permanent location for the constitution of the program. In the meantime, I encourage families and individuals to express interest so we can build this together.

Participants will receive certificates of participation, and community awards will recognize individuals who demonstrate learning, creativity, effort, and positive contribution.

Special thanks to Cribby, Corey, Taraya, Evelyn, Dunny, and Ronald for inspiring me to continue this work.

👉 To share interest for your child or yourself, please visit:
https://sites.google.com/view/steminspire

Youth Program

The STEM Inspire Youth Program is a hands-on learning experience designed to build confidence, creativity, and real-world STEM and technology skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

Students will explore:

Chess and strategic thinking
Robotics using sensors and motion
Coding fundamentals for games, robots, and automation
Introduction to programming logic and computational thinking
Visualization and simple 3D design tools
Hands-on building with real components
Home design and modeling basics
Safe, beginner-friendly tools for creativity and learning
Artificial intelligence
- How AI helps robots and software systems make decisions
Programming and IT fundamentals
- Understanding computers, networks, and digital tools
- How software is used in real jobs
Gardening science for product creation
- Growing plants and turning them into useful products
- Learning sustainability and community support
Creation and invention
- Designing solutions to everyday problems
- Explaining how inventions and programs work
Team challenges and project presentations

Students gain meaningful experience, confidence, and a strong foundation for future learning and careers.

Adult Program

The STEM Inspire Adult Program focuses on practical technical skills for real projects, workforce readiness, and neighborhood impact.

Participants will learn:

Blueprint reading for residential projects
Construction takeoffs and budgeting
Architectural and engineering drafting
Site surveys and real-world measurement techniques
Visualization and rendering using professional software
Home design and modeling
Protecting inventions through the patent process
Chess for strategic and systems thinking
Programming and information technology (IT)
- Coding fundamentals for automation and productivity
- Understanding software systems used in real workplaces
- Introductory scripting and workflow automation
Artificial intelligence
- AI tools for design, automation, and business
- How AI increases productivity in real jobs
Gardening science for product creation
- Growing and processing materials into new products
- Developing small business opportunities from natural resources
Creation and invention
- Designing, prototyping, and refining saleable products
Introduction to entrepreneurship pathways

This program supports skill-building that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term community strengthening.

STEM Saturdays

STEM Saturdays is a hands-on weekend program that introduces children to robotics, engineering, coding, programming, IT fundamentals, and creative problem-solving in a fun, supportive, and structured learning environment.

Students work with real robotics technology through NYC FIRST, learn how to build and program machines, design video games, explore basic software development, develop strategic thinking through chess, and explore storytelling by creating and publishing their own books.

The goal of STEM Saturdays is to unlock each student’s creativity while building confidence in the skills that power future careers — including engineering, architecture, software development, information technology, data science, animation, and artificial intelligence.

Through STEM Saturdays, students will:

Build and program robotics projects
Learn teamwork through friendly competitions
Strengthen logic and math skills through chess
Explore programming, software, and IT tools used by real engineers
Bring ideas to life through game development and digital projects
Create and publish original books and technical projects

STEM Saturdays is a free community program designed to open doors for families in Boerum Hill and the surrounding area, inspiring the next generation of thinkers, builders, technologists, and leaders.

The Inspire Award

The Inspire Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate learning, creativity, effort, or positive community impact.

Who can receive it?

Anyone
Any age
Any background

If you are building, learning, helping, or inspiring others, you qualify.

About the STEM program

STEM Saturdays is led by Earl S. Bell — a published author, patented inventor, and architect who grew up in Wyckoff Gardens. Earl first launched a STEM program here in the late 1990s while studying architecture at Pratt Institute, helping local students discover their passion for technology and innovation.

After completing his education, Earl gained over 20 years of professional experience working with globally recognized engineering and architecture firms such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), AECOM, and Thornton Tomasetti. He contributed to major projects including:

• JFK & LaGuardia Airport redevelopment
• Penn Station improvements
• Google Data Centers
• National Museum of African American History & Culture
• Bill Clinton Presidential Library
• BBVA Headquarters (Madrid)
• Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library (Russia)
• Multiple Trump Towers design and renderings

Now, Earl is continuing his mission right back where it started — bringing STEM access home to the community that helped raise him. Through robotics, engineering, chess strategy, video game design, and book creation, students build powerful skills that can lead to careers — and pride in what they create.

“I want young people here to see themselves as inventors, architects, engineers, and entrepreneurs — because they are.”
— Earl S. Bell

philanthropist , angel investors

HELP FUND STEM INSPIRE

We are seeking your support to launch the region’s first STEM Lounge in New York and New Jersey. The launch phase requires initial funding to secure a safe storefront space, equipment, and basic operations. Once open, the STEM Lounge will transition into a self-funded model through healthy drinks, STEM retail products, certifications, and optional services, while always keeping the lounge and learning environment free for the community. This is a much-needed space where children, teens, adults, and families can study, build, explore STEM, or simply feel welcome without pressure or negative influences. With your help, we can open the doors and build a permanent community home that improves lives every single day.

OUR GROWTH STAGES

Stage 1 — STEM Saturdays (Current)

STEM Inspire begins with free weekend STEM programs in Brooklyn, giving kids a safe and positive place to explore robotics, coding, science, and creativity. These sessions help families feel supported and show young people that loving STEM is something to be proud of. STEM Saturdays are laying the foundation for a larger vision, proving that our community truly needs a permanent home for curiosity, learning, and peace.

Stage 2 — STEM Inspire Storefront (Launch)

Our next step is to open a small storefront lounge in Brooklyn and then Northern New Jersey. This space will be open daily after school, evenings, and weekends, giving kids, teens, college students, and adults a calm place to relax, study, build projects, and take part in hands-on STEM activities. This is where STEM culture starts to grow. A place for STEM sports like robotics challenges and e-sports tied to real learning. A space where peaceful free-thinkers, future inventors, engineers, designers, and industrialists can feel comfortable being themselves. Healthy drinks and optional STEM retail will support operations as we prove the self-funding model. Families and individuals can walk in anytime and feel welcome.

Stage 3 — Full STEM Inspire Center (Future)

Our long-term vision is a large STEM community innovation center that becomes the first STEM Lounge network across New York and New Jersey. This center will offer robotics and maker labs, computer learning spaces, tutoring, mentoring, entrepreneurship support, and calm lounge areas for all ages. It will be a place where confidence grows naturally, where ideas turn into products and businesses, and where minds who want peace can enjoy learning without pressure. This will be a powerful civic investment that improves neighborhoods, prepares the future workforce, and gives families the safe STEM home they have always wished existed.

The Big Picture

We are building a true home for STEM culture:
A public space for learning, hanging out, thinking, and dreaming.
A place where curiosity has a home and the future feels possible.

STEM Inspire

Such a wonderful flower is growing :-)

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