Dr. Calvin Mackie Gives New Orleans STEM Education

What began as a father’s quest to rekindle his nine-year-old son’s passion for science in a New Orleans garage has blossomed into a hands-on scientific movement that has impacted over 200,000 children across the nation. Dr. Calvin Mackie, the visionary behind STEM NOLA, has transformed his family’s $100,000 investment into a nationally recognized organization that is revolutionizing how young people engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We had the opportunity to speak with the former Tulane University professor about his aspirations to reach children every weekend throughout America.

What do you consider your greatest achievement, and how has that influenced your work at STEM NOLA?

My greatest achievement is undoubtedly my marriage and the family we’ve built together. All I ever wanted was a loving family that I could provide for and cherish. This desire led to the creation of STEM NOLA when my son came home one day expressing his disinterest in science because his teacher merely lectured from the board.

Growing up in a household where my father was a provider but not particularly present, I yearned for a more engaged relationship with my children. When my son voiced his struggles in school, I felt compelled to take action. We began conducting hands-on activities in our garage, which soon attracted kids from the neighborhood.

Your approach seems very hands-on rather than tech-focused.

We firmly believe that hands-on experiences lead to engaged minds. When we launched STEM NOLA, I recognized that I could teach my son the essential skills he needed. Technology alone cannot provide the foundational skills necessary for STEM education. These skills are developed through active participation, not just through tech-based learning.

Can you explain your teaching philosophy?

Even if a child struggles with English, especially if it’s their second language, hands-on activities can significantly boost their confidence, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. While technology is a useful tool, it is not our primary focus. As a STEM organization, we emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through practical experiences.

What’s the demographic of students you serve?

To date, we have engaged over 200,000 children, with approximately 85% coming from urban, predominantly Black and Brown communities, and the remaining 15% from predominantly white and rural backgrounds. During my 12 years as a professor at Tulane, I taught just 14 Black students. I understand how to teach all children, but I also recognize that the foundational support I received allowed me to overcome early disadvantages in life.

What’s next for you and STEM NOLA?

We are in the process of building a 30,000 square foot, $15 million STEM center in New Orleans. This innovation hub will serve as the headquarters for STEM community engagement nationwide. My next goal is to expand our reach so that every weekend, a million kids across the country can participate in STEM activities in their communities.

What does aging with attitude mean to you?

Aging with attitude involves understanding three levels of existence. The first is personhood, where individuals strive for self-sufficiency. The second is manhood or womanhood, where one can care for themselves and their dependents. The third level is chiefhood, where individuals can contribute to their community and support those who may not even know them.

The key question is: Are you significant? Achieving chiefhood means making a meaningful impact on others. It doesn’t have to be on a grand scale, but it’s essential for elders to strive for significance, ensuring that their legacy lives on even after they are gone.

Photo (top): Dr. Mackie helps a young scientist. Courtesy of STEM-NOLA.

NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her work has appeared in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and other publications. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.

What began as a father’s quest to rekindle his nine-year-old son’s passion for science in a New Orleans garage has blossomed into a hands-on scientific movement that has impacted over 200,000 children across the nation. Dr. Calvin Mackie, the visionary behind STEM NOLA, has transformed his family’s $100,000 investment into a nationally recognized organization that is revolutionizing how young people engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We had the opportunity to speak with the former Tulane University professor about his aspirations to reach children every weekend throughout America.

What do you consider your greatest achievement, and how has that influenced your work at STEM NOLA?

My greatest achievement is undoubtedly my marriage and the family we’ve built together. All I ever wanted was a loving family that I could provide for and cherish. This desire led to the creation of STEM NOLA when my son came home one day expressing his disinterest in science because his teacher merely lectured from the board.

Growing up in a household where my father was a provider but not particularly present, I yearned for a more engaged relationship with my children. When my son voiced his struggles in school, I felt compelled to take action. We began conducting hands-on activities in our garage, which soon attracted kids from the neighborhood.

Your approach seems very hands-on rather than tech-focused.

We firmly believe that hands-on experiences lead to engaged minds. When we launched STEM NOLA, I recognized that I could teach my son the essential skills he needed. Technology alone cannot provide the foundational skills necessary for STEM education. These skills are developed through active participation, not just through tech-based learning.

Can you explain your teaching philosophy?

Even if a child struggles with English, especially if it’s their second language, hands-on activities can significantly boost their confidence, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. While technology is a useful tool, it is not our primary focus. As a STEM organization, we emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through practical experiences.

What’s the demographic of students you serve?

To date, we have engaged over 200,000 children, with approximately 85% coming from urban, predominantly Black and Brown communities, and the remaining 15% from predominantly white and rural backgrounds. During my 12 years as a professor at Tulane, I taught just 14 Black students. I understand how to teach all children, but I also recognize that the foundational support I received allowed me to overcome early disadvantages in life.

What’s next for you and STEM NOLA?

We are in the process of building a 30,000 square foot, $15 million STEM center in New Orleans. This innovation hub will serve as the headquarters for STEM community engagement nationwide. My next goal is to expand our reach so that every weekend, a million kids across the country can participate in STEM activities in their communities.

What does aging with attitude mean to you?

Aging with attitude involves understanding three levels of existence. The first is personhood, where individuals strive for self-sufficiency. The second is manhood or womanhood, where one can care for themselves and their dependents. The third level is chiefhood, where individuals can contribute to their community and support those who may not even know them.

The key question is: Are you significant? Achieving chiefhood means making a meaningful impact on others. It doesn’t have to be on a grand scale, but it’s essential for elders to strive for significance, ensuring that their legacy lives on even after they are gone.

Photo (top): Dr. Mackie helps a young scientist. Courtesy of STEM-NOLA.

NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her work has appeared in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and other publications. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.