STEM Atlanta adjusts programming, expands work to South Africa

An Atlanta-based STEM education nonprofit is adjusting its approach after recent changes in government funding, while continuing to expand its work locally and abroad, according to reporting from WSB-TV.

STEM Atlanta, founded by Dr. Maxine Cain, has shifted its focus in response to the loss of funding tied to changes in diversity, equity and inclusion policies. The organization says the change prompted a reassessment of how it delivers programming, rather than a departure from its mission.

Cain said the shift comes at a moment of growth for the organization, particularly after recent work supporting students in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to WSB-TV, the funding loss led the organization to rebrand from STEM Atlanta Women to STEM Atlanta, a move Cain said was intended to ensure its programs remain accessible to a broad range of students.

“We really want to provide resources to all innovative scholars,” Cain told WSB-TV. “Boys, girls, all races, all talent.”

Earlier this year, Cain traveled to South Africa as part of a collaboration with Next Level Living, allowing STEM Atlanta to bring its programming to students in Cape Town. The effort marked the organization’s first major international expansion.

Cain described the experience as unexpected but meaningful.

“Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be in Cape Town, South Africa,” she told WSB-TV. “On the ground, serving and supporting these babies.”

STEM Atlanta’s work has been supported by a range of partner organizations over the years, including the Atlanta Dream, Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Nike and Google. Those partnerships have helped the nonprofit expand outreach and introduce students to careers across multiple STEM fields.

Cain said the organization plans to use lessons learned from navigating funding challenges and from expanding internationally to shape its programming in 2026.