Community-driven innovation is at the heart of Rock the STEAM Team Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. By collaborating with local businesses, civic groups, and individuals, we can bridge educational gaps and create lasting opportunities for underserved populations in Dane County, Wisconsin.
Rock the STEAM Team offers transformative community sponsorship opportunities that empower both the community as well as the businesses that champion these initiatives.
Why Community Sponsorship Matters
Sponsorship is more than a financial contribution—it is an investment in the future. Dane County faces pressing challenges:
- Nearly 50% of racially minoritized students are testing below basic proficiency in core subjects like math and science.
- Students with disabilities (SWD) face proficiency rates significantly lower than their peers, with 44% or more testing below basic in many districts.
- Economically disadvantaged students are 30% more likely to struggle academically, with nearly 41% testing below basic in math.
Despite these hurdles, Rock the STEAM Team seeks to make strides by offering free, inclusive programs. Community sponsors play a critical role in ensuring every learner has access to the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed.
Our Mission: STEAM for All
Rock the STEAM Team’s mission is simple yet powerful: to make STEAM education accessible and inclusive for learners of all abilities, genders, and backgrounds. We accomplish this through innovative programs like:
- DiversiTECH Dane: Engaging underrepresented groups in technology and entrepreneurship.
- Women with STEAM: Amplifying girls, women and single mothers in launching STEM careers to create economic independence.
- EquiFarm Initiative: Teaching agricultural innovation and urban farming techniques with a focus on sustainability and accessibility.
- TomorrowTech Team: Inspiring the next generation of tech leaders through robotics and coding with programs sponsored by NASA, the REC Foundation, and Google among others.
Our Makerspace and Tech Hub will become a vibrant center for learning and innovation, offering hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and workshops.
How Sponsorship Makes a Difference
Your sponsorship helps us address the following critical needs:
- Adaptive Tools and Technology: Providing resources to ensure all students, including those with disabilities, can thrive in STEAM.
- Accessible Learning Spaces: Upgrading facilities to be fully inclusive, including the installation of an elevator.
- Multilingual Programming: Offering universally designed courses to cater to diverse learners.
- Workforce Development: Equipping students and adults with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand fields.
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Community sponsorships are flexible, allowing businesses and individuals to contribute at a level that aligns with their goals and values. Here’s how you can make an impact:
$1,000 – $4,999: Supporter Sponsors
- Fund adaptive tools, workforce training, or a semester of student programming.
- Recognition in newsletters and on our website.
- Invitation to our grand opening event.
- Opportunities to mentor students.
$500 – $999: Advocate Sponsors
- Sponsor specific resources such as STEAM kits or program materials.
- Acknowledgment in community outreach communications.
$100 – $499: Friend of STEAM
- Provide adaptive materials for one or more students.
- Receive personalized acknowledgment on social media.
Every sponsorship level directly supports programs that equip learners with the skills to innovate, create, and thrive.
Key Community Impact Areas
Inclusive Education
Our free programming ensures no one is left behind. From adaptive materials for students with disabilities to universally designed lessons in multiple languages, we meet learners where they are.
Career and Workforce Development
By partnering with businesses, we provide mentorship opportunities, workforce training, and hands-on experience with advanced technology. Sponsors benefit from connecting with a future-ready talent pool.
Community Engagement
With 12 school districts and a total target audience of 125,000 people, Rock the STEAM Team fosters partnerships that enrich the entire Dane County area. Local businesses sponsoring our programs gain visibility and goodwill within these communities.
Targeted Communities and Demographics
Our initiatives impact 26 communities across Dane County, including:
- Racially minoritized individuals: 20,184.
- People with disabilities: 11,893.
- Economically disadvantaged students and families.
These groups represent a cross-section of our community that benefits most from the opportunities sponsorships make possible.
A Call to Action for Community Leaders
We are on the cusp of transformative change, but we can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can take part:
- Choose a Sponsorship Level: Every dollar makes a difference. Whether you sponsor adaptive materials or an entire program, your contribution fuels innovation and inclusion.
- Engage as a Mentor: Share your expertise with learners, providing guidance that inspires confidence and ambition.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your network to join the movement for equitable STEAM education.
What Sponsors Gain
Partnering with Rock the STEAM Team is not just a charitable endeavor—it’s a strategic collaboration. Sponsors enjoy:
- Brand Visibility: Acknowledgment in our newsletters, website, and events.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with other community-minded leaders during our grand opening and collaborative events.
- Community Trust: Demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Together, We Build the Future
Imagine a space where a child with disabilities uses adaptive technology to engineer their first robot, or a single mother learns coding skills that launch a career in technology. With your support, these scenarios become realities.
Your sponsorship doesn’t just support a nonprofit—it transforms lives and strengthens the community. Join us in this mission to create a brighter, more inclusive future.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact us!
Together, let’s ignite innovation and inspire the next generation.