How a Teen-Led Group Brings Science to 100, 000 Kids—and What It Takes to Keep It Running

At just 16 years old, Iona Nandy is defying expectations. By day, she’s a high school student navigating algebra and biology. By the rest of her time? She’s the driving force behind STEMsters, a student-led nonprofit revolutionizing science education for kids across the nation.

With 169 branches spanning multiple states, STEMsters sends volunteers—often high school and college students—into classrooms or onto Zoom calls to lead hands-on experiments for up to 96,000 elementary students annually. Their mission? To make STEM engaging, accessible, and fun.

But growth comes with challenges.

The Scaling Dilemma

Uniformity is a struggle. A chapter in New Jersey might have access to cutting-edge lab equipment, while another in a rural town relies on household items. Funding—entirely dependent on donations and volunteer labor—is perpetually tight. Every dollar counts.

"What surprises me isn’t how much kids love the science—it’s how these activities bring strangers together."

The Unexpected Impact

Nandy has noticed something remarkable. At the start of a session, kids cling to their familiar friends. By the end, after building robots or testing circuits, they’re high-fiving teammates they met minutes before.

These small social breakthroughs—the high-fives, shared discoveries, and teamwork—matter just as much as the STEM skills.

Behind the Scenes: A Teenage CEO’s Reality

Nandy runs publicity from her hometown in Scotch Plains, crafting social media posts and coordinating with schools. Her to-do list? Homework, clubs, sleep—and now, leading a national movement.

She’s not alone. Most of her peers at STEMsters balance school, extracurriculars, and nonprofit leadership. The question lingers: How do you stay true to your mission when you’re spreading too thin?

For a growing network like STEMsters, the answer isn’t simple—but the impact is undeniable.