LAKE WACCAMAW, N.C. — The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe held a STEM day for the third year in a row.

What You Need To Know

  • This year they held the STEM Day at Lake Waccamaw, the location of their origin story
  • Waccamaw STEM Studio holds multiple events every year, in addition to STEM Day
  • The nonprofit says only .02% of Native Americans have degrees in STEM

Sarah Greene, 14, is a freshman at Columbus Career and College Academy. She’s interested in STEM, which was inspired by her tribe.

“There aren’t as many opportunities for young Native Americans,” Greene said.

Sarah is part of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, the people of the falling star. One of the many things she feels pride about is the constant opportunities her tribe gives her, including STEM Day, where she gets to do all types of experiments related to science, technology, engineering and math.

“There were STEM kits that were sent out, and I really enjoyed it,” Greene said.

Sarah has experienced firsthand how her tribal leaders found outside opportunities, like STEM Studios and brought them directly to their tribe. The Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio is a nonprofit built on the idea of removing barriers and introducing STEM into the tribal community.

“You're given opportunities here and you're welcomed, and they are opportunities that are fit to you,” she said.

Through the opportunities, Sarah has been able to enter many competitions involving the STEM field, even winning a scholarship.

“You can do this and there are opportunities for you,” Greene said.