Nominee Information

Nominator Information

STEM Achievement Award – Industry
The STEM Achievement Award - Industry recognizes a business or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing STEM education, innovation, and workforce development. This award honors a company that actively fosters a culture of discovery, invests in STEM talent, and contributes to groundbreaking advancements that shape the future. As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s annual STEM Achievement Awards, this recognition celebrates organizations that champion science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as essential drivers of progress in our ever-evolving world.

STEM Achievement Award – Non-Profit Organization
The STEM Achievement Award - Non-Profit Organization honors a mission-driven organization that has made a significant impact in advancing STEM education, accessibility, and innovation. This award recognizes a non-profit that actively fosters curiosity, expands opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and empowers communities through its programs and initiatives. As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s annual STEM Achievement Awards, this distinction celebrates organizations that inspire lifelong learning and drive meaningful change in the ever-evolving world of STEM.

STEM Achievement Award – Higher Education Initiative
The STEM Achievement Award for Higher Education Initiative recognizes a college or university program that is transforming its field of study and strengthening the workforce development pipeline. This award honors a program that leverages cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and industry partnerships to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in STEM careers. As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s annual STEM Achievement Awards, this distinction celebrates higher education initiatives that drive innovation, expand opportunities, and shape the future of the STEM workforce.

STEM Achievement Award – Innovator to Watch
The Innovator to Watch Award recognizes a young professional who is making remarkable strides in their career and shaping the future of STEM through creativity, dedication, and groundbreaking contributions. This individual demonstrates exceptional promise, leadership, and a commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics in ways that inspire others. As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s annual STEM Achievement Awards, this honor celebrates the next generation of innovators whose work embodies our mission to spark curiosity, drive discovery, and foster lifelong learning in an ever-evolving world.

STEM Achievement Award – Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an exceptional individual whose enduring contributions to STEM have left a lasting impact on their field and the broader community. This prestigious award recognizes a career dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s annual STEM Achievement Awards, this honor celebrates a visionary whose work has inspired generations, shaped the future of STEM, and exemplified the power of discovery in our ever-changing world.

STEM Achievement Award – Dr. Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year
The Dr. Theordore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year Award honors an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond to inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and ignite a passion for STEM learning in their students. This award recognizes an educator who demonstrates exceptional dedication, creativity, and leadership in the classroom, making STEM education engaging and accessible for all learners. This distinction celebrates the vital role of educators in shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers in our ever-changing world.

Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award – STEM Professional
This award recognizes a professional woman who is a leader in her chosen STEM field and has gone above and beyond the scope of her work by making a significant effort to support other women and girls in pursuing STEM as learners, teachers, and professionals. The winner will demonstrate commitment to advancing STEM through thoughtful engagement with diverse audiences.

Examples of projects or activities that represent a significant effort to support other women and girls in their pursuit of STEM are diverse and wide-ranging and may include the following:

· Serving as a strong mentor for young women pursuing careers in STEM

· Conducting research with a strong focus on equitable opportunities for women in STEM

· Developing and facilitating a workshop series that introduces young girls to STEM

· Leading policy change initiatives in their organization that support women in STEM careers

· Speaking publicly and advocating for women in STEM careers

Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award – High School Student
This award recognizes and celebrates a girl in grades 9-12 who has shown curiosity, achievement, and/or leadership in one or more STEM fields by promoting STEM education in the school or community or creating and developing a novel product or technology tool.

Examples of creative student projects or activities that demonstrate STEM curiosity and achievement are diverse and wide-ranging and may include the following:

· Organizing and promoting an interactive community display on climate change at the local library

· Mentoring/tutoring younger students in STEM subjects and acting as an inspiring role model

· Planning and coordinating a far-reaching school or community book read and discussion that explores our changing world through science

· Writing guest editorials for news outlets from a student perspective on compelling and timely STEM issues.

· Using robotic technology to develop adaptive tools for disabled children