Michelle Marfo and Jada Okoye, both juniors at Osbourn Park High School, developed a love for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at an early age. Marfo’s interest in STEM sparked during the pandemic while exploring computer animation, and Okoye found inspiration to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry from the Disney show, Doc McStuffins.

These longtime friends are now using their passion for STEM as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of students. The pair launched STEM Explorers in November, a free STEM exploration program for kindergarten through eighth grade students in Prince William County.

Marfo and Okoye have held three STEM sessions so far, with participation increasing from 25 students at the first session to 60 students at the latest session held early this month. Each session features an inspiring STEM guest speaker and an engaging hands-on experiment.

“These kids learn so much in the hour and 30 minutes we have with them. It really warms my heart when I think about the significant impact we can make on their learning," said Marfo.

Previous sessions include a nurse teaching medical lessons using stethoscopes on teddy bears with live heart beats and lung sounds, a chemistry professor teaching students how to make “elephant toothpaste” using vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring to observe a chemical reaction, and a computer science professor conducting a gaming exercise.

“We hope that they can walk away knowing this is for them,” said Okoye. "In our county, there are so many families that don’t have access to these expensive STEM programs. We want to take our knowledge from Osbourn Park and our engagement in STEM to build these activities for them for free. We want to reach as many people as possible with the capacity that we have.”

At just 16 years old, Marfo and Okoye have already established a solid foundation in STEM. Okoye is enrolled in the Biomedical Science Specialty Program at Osbourn Park, while Marfo is enrolled in the Center for Biotechnology and Engineering at the school. During their sophomore year, they also founded Osbourn Park’s Helping Hands Committee, a student-run STEM club with 120 members.

Marfo and Okoye are passionate about inspiring and engaging their younger peers in the field of STEM. These sessions not only educate students but also help build their confidence. They hope to expand the STEM Explorers program and offer additional sessions during the summer. Interested families can register for the upcoming March 1 session through their website. The sessions are offered offsite.