Michael S. Witherell Legacy K-12 STEM Education Fund
Fueling the curiosity of young minds and inspiring future generations of scientists
Mission
The Michael S. Witherell Legacy K-12 STEM Education Fund is designed to provide local Bay Area high school students with direct access and meaningful opportunities in the sciences. The fund focuses on equipping scholars with foundational research skills, exposing them to a broad range of STEM careers, and helping them build a strong professional network right within their own community.
The program prioritizes engaging students from local schools and neighborhoods, ensuring that young people in the area have the chance to experience hands-on learning at a premier research facility. Selected students are eligible to work with and learn directly from Berkeley Lab employees, immersing themselves in an environment that fosters curiosity and academic growth.
Many program participants begin with an introductory camp or workshop and continue building their knowledge through engaging opportunities that allow them to apply their STEM skills in real-world environments. To remove barriers to participation, all programs are free of cost or provide a learning stipend.
Learning Opportunities and Outcomes
Across our comprehensive suite of educational initiatives, students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of pathways tailored to their current skill levels and interests. Throughout these diverse experiences, participants dive into fundamental coding and data science courses, tackle hands-on projects, and build their networks through regular discussions with STEM professionals. By providing this wide range of formats and learning environments, we ensure that students at every level can find a meaningful entry point to explore scientific careers and gain practical, real-world experience.
Develop research and communication skills
Conduct hands-on projects with experiments developed with Berkeley Lab researchers
Practice experimental set-up, data collection, troubleshooting, and analysis
Present project results and insights at the student showcase following the program conclusion
Form a STEM network
Attend career talks and learn about different career trajectories for students interested in pursuing STEM
Meet with researchers from diverse backgrounds
Interact in STEM and career specific workshops with volunteers throughout the year
Impact (2020 - 2025)
Since 2020, our initiatives have achieved significant community reach, with more than 10,000 students participating in our school visits, career talks, workshops, and camps. Within this broader engagement, nearly 900 students have taken part in our intensive multi-day programs.
Our efforts are deeply rooted in the local community, bringing together students from across the Bay Area representing more than 20+ school districts and counties from Santa Clara to Marin.
The long-term impact of these educational experiences is evident in the academic paths of our participants, with more than 85 percent of program alumni choosing to major in STEM fields, led predominantly by engineering and computing sciences. As they transition to higher education, many of our scholars go on to attend University of California campuses, with a notably high number of students earning acceptance into UC Berkeley.
The Role of Philanthropy
Your tax-deductible gift will support students stipends, the development of content, and support of programmatic staff. Initial funds will support student scholars which will alleviate economic barriers to participation. The support of programmatic staff will allow an expansion of the current program and aid in the development of virtual sessions for students outside of the East Bay.
