Case Study
STEM NOLA
Building a Culture of Collaboration and Growth
STEM NOLA, a New Orleans-based nonprofit, is committed to exposing, inspiring, and engaging young people in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Since its founding in 2013, the organization has served more than 125,000 youth—primarily under-served and low-income students—through hands-on, project-based learning experiences.
As STEM NOLA grew from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized model for STEM engagement, the team sought support to clarify its long-term strategic vision, strengthen its organizational culture, and align staff around a shared sense of purpose and accountability.
Product:
Culture Planning
Sector:
Non-Profit
Solution
Trepwise partnered with STEM NOLA across multiple engagements to strengthen both strategy and culture. In 2020, Trepwise facilitated a comprehensive strategic planning process that formalized the organization’s core model, identified opportunities to deepen both in-school and out-of-school programming, and set ambitious growth goals for the number of students served.
Building on this foundation, in 2021 Trepwise designed and facilitated a three-part professional development and culture series for the full team. Workshop topics included collective success, effective communication, ideal organizational culture, individual development plans, strategic planning, and team-wide accountability.
Results
As a result, STEM NOLA strengthened team cohesion and alignment around its strategic direction. Staff and leadership implemented new strategies to improve collaboration, communication, and performance management.
The organization experienced increased morale, stronger cross-team collaboration, and company-wide buy-in to its mission and growth vision—positioning STEM NOLA to continue inspiring the next generation of innovators.
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