Today we’d like to introduce you to Reagan Flowers.
Reagan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I believe we are all born with a special gift and some of us are fortunate enough to open ourselves up to receiving and knowing what that special gift is. I can affirm through my existence that everything in life happens for a reason, season, or lifetime. If you have never experienced feeling counted out, being an afterthought, defeated, rejected, and/or unwelcomed, then, perhaps it is hard to understand your ‘reason’. Further, if you have never experienced feeling included, being thought of, winning, acceptance, and/or welcomed, then, perhaps it is hard to understand your ‘reason’. My life took a turn the day I decided to use my ‘not so good’ experiences as motivation to create inspiring experiences for children. I had a confidence I could be successful doing such because I could lean heavily on my personal and professional experiences as well as my education as my guide. I was empowered by that which I knew and understood, more importantly, I was motivated to learn that which I needed to know to make a difference.
When I chose to enter the teaching profession, I encountered many students that looked like me and shared common life experiences. Students that hoped, dreamed, and aspired to have a better life. In 2002, my ‘reason’ was affirmed and led to the creation of ‘C-STEM’. It is an acronym that represents the integration of communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services, Inc. has since been my vehicle to provide support services to thousands of minorities, economically disadvantaged, and female students.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I accepted C-STEM as my ‘reason’, I understood that it came with great responsibility full of challenges, summits, and valleys—all of which I am well acquainted. Discovering early on the importance of remaining well intentioned has been critical to keeping my internal compass centered such that I never veer too far off course when I encounter obstacles with the work. My belief in my ‘reason’ is unbreakable, downright unstoppable, because it comes from a place deep in my soul. In essence, I feel that my ‘reason’ is written in my genetic code because I am so passionate about the work.
C-STEM outreach efforts continue to spread far beyond that which I initially imagined. When I think of the various forms my ‘reason’ has taken on, I can’t help but to think of a rainforest. It seems like very plant and tree you come across in a rainforest is serving as a host to some other living thing. The vision I created for C-STEM serves as the host for my ‘reason’—keeping it alive and allowing it to thrive.
As a child, I had enough experiences, good and bad, to know that living in poverty was nothing I desired for my future. Further, as a child, I knew how to seek the inspiration that was required to move me beyond doubt and fear.
Overcoming challenges empowers you and instills a belief that you can accomplish your goals. My team is creating great C-STEM experiences for countless numbers of students. Identifying what I want them to experience, be proud of, empowered by, and find inspiration from are my drivers. All of which are necessary to create self-directed students. Whether I am dealing with challenges associated with funding or remaining relevant with program services, I do whatever job is necessary to successfully move the work forward.
C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
C-STEM is a disruptive resource that aids the innovation of classroom learning. C-STEM supports the undoing of the factory-based education model that has standardizes the way students are taught. Thousands of students and teachers have been impacted by C-STEM. I am most proud of how C-STEM remains cutting edge, gets teachers and students to use tech tools and resources that optimize learning, leads with problem-based and project-based learning curriculum that engages and motivates students, provides relevant real-world problems for students to solve, and encourages collaboration.
C-STEM works to address three key education problems:
1. The underrepresentation of minorities and females in STEM fields of study.
2. The engagement of minorities and girls in high quality STEM learning in schools and communities where they live and learn.
3. The shortage of diverse workers prepared to work and lead in the growing STEM economy.
The organization goals are to:
1. Inspire students to become innovators and technologically proficient problem-solvers and critical thinkers using hands-on learning experiences in areas such as robotics, 3D printing, mural, sculpture, photography, film, debate, innovation, computer programming;
2. Engage students in C-STEM learning experiences during and after-school using curriculum created new each year;
3. Provide teachers with the opportunity to deliver high quality relevant project-based learning STEM content grades Pre-K-12 STEM through the on-line Integrated C-STEM Teacher Training Institute that provides 42 hours of professional development;
4. Enrich community understanding of STEM education and its importance in building capacity to prepare students for work and life in the 21st century through newsletters, podcasts, mobile app, website, social medial, events, workshops, and camps;
5. Provide students’ opportunities to apply 21st century and STEM literacy skills in competitive environments by engaging students in relevant and rigorous project-based and problem-based learning;
6. Serve as a vehicle that connects classroom learning with the business sector to improve students’ college and career readiness skills through partnerships with corporations, colleges/universities, professional organizations, PreK-12 schools, and public servants;
7. Provide students’ exposure to careers in STEM-related fields through curriculum, podcasts, field experiences, mobile app, events, camps, workshops, and on-line STEM social engagement.
C-STEM has received notable recognition for bridging the STEM achievement gap impacting minorities and female students from The White House and World Innovation Summit for Education. We believe that ‘Everyone is an artist and an engineer’. There is a little Da Vinci in us all.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have had so many proud moments. My introduction to Dr. C.T. Vivian has been, by far, my proudest moment in my career. Dr. Vivian requested to meet with me in his home in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss my work with C-STEM. I consider it an honor to talk about the future of STEM education for underserved and underrepresented students with such an iconic leader of the civil rights movements and now the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3226 Alabama Street
Houston, Texas 77004 - Website: www.cstem.org
- Phone: 713-443-4521
- Email: rflowers@cstem.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cstemorg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cstem.org/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cstemorg
- Other: www.drreaganflowers.com
Image Credit:
Preserve The Present Photography
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