Volunteering with Learning Undefeated is more than just a day of giving back: it’s a chance to change a student’s perspective about what’s possible. This school year, more than 60 volunteers donated over 100 hours to work alongside educators on Learning Undefeated’s mobile STEM labs. Volunteers bring STEM careers to life by bringing their real-world perspective to the hands-on activities.
Leiby Soto, from gene therapy company REGENXBIO, volunteers because she is hoping to inspire students. “As a woman of color, I would have loved an organization like Learning Undefeated growing up. Seeing students light up with curiosity and confidence was incredible,” shared Soto. Her standout moment? Connecting with a Latina student, bonding over shared roots, and helping her take the first steps toward her college dreams. “Representation matters. Seeing someone like you in STEM makes it feel possible,” said Soto.
For digital infrastructure company Equinix, volunteering with Learning Undefeated offers more than just employee engagement: it’s a rewarding way to inspire young minds and foster teamwork. “We want students to be excited about science and technology careers. We want them to see what real-life science and tech workers look like, and that its accessible and fun,” said
Rey Cheatham Banks, Head of U.S. State and Local Public Policy & Govt Affairs.
Since 2022, AstraZeneca employees have donated nearly 300 hours of volunteer time onboard Learning Undefeated mobile laboratories, as well as serving as speakers and mentors for programming focused on increasing female representation in STEM careers. Said Tiffany Lukis, Director of STEM and Community Engagement, “At AstraZeneca, we believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive STEM community starts with our very own employees. Through volunteer opportunities with Learning Undefeated — especially those focused on increasing female representation in STEM — we’re inspiring, motivating, and engaging a more diverse group of future innovators and leaders. Together, we can create a world where all students see themselves reflected in STEM fields and know they belong.”
At Keysight Technologies, volunteerism is a major driver of employee engagement. Keysight’s Employee Network for Underrepresented Minorities (ENUM) encourages employees to volunteer as part of recruiting and retention, community outreach, and culture-building emphasis. “It’s always fulfilling to give back to future generations, to help support and nurture them as they are learning. You also are opening their minds and giving them some insight into what they can be,” said Tamu Walton, Keysight’s ENUM chair.
REGENXBIO began looking for ways to connect with the local community around its Maryland headquarters, with the goal of giving back and helping cultivate the next generation of STEM leaders. “Our volunteers get so much out of it – they are inspired and energized by the students’ excitement for learning and are proud to share their experience and passion for STEM,” said Tracy Merrell, HR Business Partner, REGENXBIO. “Many of our volunteers are early career professionals and this gives them the opportunity to be in a mentor role and encourage new scientists.” This year, the program will expand to include year-round engagement with Learning Undefeated’s Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology program for young women.
Twenty-four Equinix volunteers joined Learning Undefeated’s mobile STEM labs during a weeklong October visit at River Bend Middle School in Loudoun County, Virginia. Volunteers admitted they were initially nervous — working with middle schoolers can be unpredictable! – but those fears quickly faded. “Every single kid was completely engaged the whole time,” one volunteer shared. “It was energizing to see their excitement.”
At River Bend MS, the impact extended beyond the students: teachers expressed their gratitude, and volunteers walked away grateful for the opportunity. “We even received thank-you notes from colleagues who participated!” said Banks. Learning Undefeated’s team made the process simple by handling content and logistics, so volunteers just needed to show up and bring their enthusiasm.
Volunteers share the hope that their involvement will help students think about career options in a new way. “You don’t have to be an expert at math or science to be an engineer, even if they just have an interest in those areas you are opening their eyes to what they can do,” said Keysight’s Walton. Soto’s advice for future volunteers: “You don’t need to be a STEM expert. Be open, share your story, and encourage students to dream big.”
