SIM and its Chapters continue to recognize the importance of reaching out to influence college students’ choice of major. But they have also recognized the need to engage students earlier in their education. SIM Chapters are have extensive "Give Back" programs and participate and sponsor STEM initiatives across the K – College level spectrum. This has included Chapter partnerships with YearUp, donations over $1.6 Million annually in college scholarships and a mix of locally designed and national programs such as: First Robotics, "icStars," "NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing," "CyberGirlz Technology Camp," and various other initiatives
One of the goals for STEM outreach is to share best practices between Chapters. We believe synergy among the Chapters will increase the impact of our STEM Outreach program.
A recent analysis shows that involvement in STEM Outreach is central to most existing Chapter Community Outreach programs. Chapter Outreach will continue to support other philanthropic efforts, but STEM initiatives are expected to expand. STEM Outreach will help SIM fulfill a key part of our mission, promoting careers in IT. STEM Outreach serves the best interests of our Society, our members and the organizations --- for-profit, non-profit, government and academic --- which employ them.