Sovereign Native Youth STEM Leadership Academy Impact

Content

Participation since Inception in 2017:

Unique Students: 243
Returning Students: 31
Faculty and Speakers: 99
Organizations: 14

Updated August 2026

  • 2026 MATC STEM Academy participants posed on steps.
    Students, teachers, and mentors from the 2026 program.
  • Students collaborate on building earthquake-proof structures at a table in a classroom setting.
    Dr. Christine Wittich tests students' towers on a shake table to simulate earthquakes.
  • Dr. Gabriel Bruguier leads students in an activity on UNL campus.
    Dr. Gabriel Bruguier leads students in an activity on UNL city campus.
  • Students measuring grassland vegetation with a yellow hoop in a field under a clear sky.
    Students observe how much life is in a small area at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center.
  • Students working together to make a wind turbine.
    Turbine rotor blades are made and tested for effectiveness.
  • Ezzat Haider holding a bowling ball looking down the lane.
    Participants take a break and have dinner at East Campus Bowling.
  • Group gathered in front of a geodesic dome labeled "Desert Dome" on a sunny day.
    2026 participants at the Henry Doorly Zoo