STEMKids: Quantum Leap into Learning

Abbi Clark, 12, Lillian Anderson, 11, Rebecca Billette, 12, Elyse Rea, 11, Chloe Weigl, 12, Lilla Heath, 12, Macie Kent, 12, and Kate Rex, 11, volunteering at the Children’s Playhouse in Boone. On January 24th, STEMKids hosted its first educational program at the Children’s Playhouse. Photo credits: Rebecca Billette

Bethany Atwood, Staff Writer for the Powderhorn

Soap-powered boats, roller coasters, and paper helicopters. Those are just a few of the many exciting things kids in Watauga have had the opportunity to create through STEMKids. Founded at Watauga High School, STEMKids is focused on making learning fun and impactful for children in the community by hosting exciting STEM-based learning events for Watauga County children. As STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education continues to gain importance and prominence in schools and the workforce, STEMKids finds purpose in educating the young minds of the community and encouraging curiosity for the sciences. Focused on outreach and accessibility, the student-run science education club has made it its mission to make STEM education a reality for children in Watauga County.

Although its impact has been significant, STEMKids is still a relatively young organization. STEMKids came to fruition through a shared passion between current seniors Rebecca Billette and Lilla Heath during the 2024-2025 school year.

“Rebecca and I remember in our different elementary schools participating in STEM activities,” said senior Lilla Heath. “We thought that they were influential in our learning, and we wanted to give that opportunity to the kids in our community.”

STEMKids is unique in that it is entirely run by students. From meetings to organizing events, the responsibility falls into the hands of Watauga students as they dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of the children they serve.

Jacob Anderson, 12, poses with Remy Billette at an Easter event hosted by STEMKids in April. “[STEMKids] was actually recommended to me by a friend,” said Anderson. “And I thought it was cool with science and working with kids.” Photo credits: Rebecca Billette

“STEMKids is not just a club, but it’s also an organization in Watauga County,” said Heath. “We use high school student volunteers to plan, run, and fundraise STEM activities with kids in grades Pre-K through sixth grade. We host these activities at the Children’s Playhouse and the Watauga Public Library.”

With a wide scope of activities, the volunteers who help with STEMKids throughout the year immerse themselves in building and amplifying the STEMKids program. STEMKids has made it a priority to host various fun events, ranging from hands-on projects to participating in the farmers market, and has many more planned.

“Not only do we hold programs at the library and the Children’s Playhouse, but we have also participated in Build Fest, which is held by the Children’s Playhouse at the high school, normally in April,” said Heath. “We have held stands at the Watauga County Farmers Market, where we normally sell mini experiment kits. Another thing that we are planning on doing in the future is holding a science fair where kids in the elementary schools within Watauga can come and share there.”

The work done by STEMKids volunteers and leaders has made a huge impact on Watauga’s kids. The organization is focused on making a difference in every child's life and stirring up a lifelong love for science.

“It makes me so happy to see all of the kids coming and participating in the activities, and not just being there, but also enjoying what we do,” said Heath. “I’ve had a few kids come up to me and say that they’ve skipped karate practice or dance to come and participate with us, and all that does is just bring me so much joy, and I feel like I really have made a difference in the community through that.”