Founded in 2013 by Mr. Rick Greer; M. Ed, a K–12 Education Specialist, and Dr. Jerrod Henderson, an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the St. Elmo Brady STEM Academy introduces fourth and fifth grade students to STEM through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning.
Open to all students with an interest in STEM, the Academy’s mission is to empower youth to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Students participate in a 16-week after-school program (8 weeks in the fall and 8 weeks in the spring), where they engage in STEM topics and learn about trailblazers in science and engineering. The Academy emphasizes mentorship by connecting students with university STEM majors, educators, and professionals from the greater Houston community.
In collaboration with elementary teachers, the curriculum is aligned with National and State Science and Math Standards, with a strong emphasis on engineering and technology.
The Academy is named after Dr. St. Elmo Brady, the first African American in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry. A pioneer in STEM education, Dr. Brady taught and conducted research at several institutions and was known for advancing the field of spectroscopy and strengthening undergraduate science curricula.