Business Details
25 Years
experience
Building Engineering & Science Talent | STEM Education & Workforce Development
Building Engineering & Science Talent (BEST) is a recognized thought leader dedicated to expanding access and opportunities in STEM fields from kindergarten through career. With over two decades of experience, we leverage robust partnerships across government, industry, and academia to drive systemic change through data-driven programs tailored to the unique needs of our partners and communities. Our work focuses on cultivating STEM talent in underrepresented communities by empowering individuals through mentorship, supporting K-12 educators, and creating experiential learning opportunities for students. We also assist organizations in developing inclusive resources and training programs to ensure diverse talent thrives. BESTs impact is multifaceted: we strengthen the U.S. scientific and technological workforce by maximizing the utilization of its diverse talent pool, champion pathways to economic mobility, and foster equitable teaching and learning outcomes.As a non-profit organization, we have managed over $35 million in grants for the National Defense Education Program, led strategic outreach initiatives for the Defense STEM Education Consortium, and developed initiatives like the HBCU/MI Pathways Network to enhance collaboration between minority-serving institutions and defense programs. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed in STEM fields.
Services
Consortium & Partnership Development
STEM Talent Cultivation
Research & Innovation
Technical Assistance
Data Analysis
Educator Training
Mentoring Programs
Workforce Development
Program Evaluation
Strategic Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have over two decades of experience in advancing STEM equity through cross-sector partnerships.
- Our data-driven approach tailors programs to address the unique needs of communities and partners.
- We manage multi-million-dollar federal grants to support national STEM education initiatives.
- Our team includes experts in consortium management and strategic outreach for defense programs.
- We specialize in creating pathways for underrepresented groups in science and technology fields.
What people say
Invaluable leadership
Unmatched project management
Connect with thousands of students
Meaningful STEM experiences
Commended by third-party evaluators
Services
Consortium & Partnership Development
We connect organizations, institutions, and communities to drive impactful STEM collaborations. Our expertise in managing consortium partnerships ensures measurable outcomes for clients. By developing geographic hub models and strategic alliances, we amplify the reach of STEM initiatives like the Defense STEM Education Consortium, benefiting organizations seeking transformative collaborations and regional STEM growth.
STEM Talent Cultivation
Our programs build continuous STEM pathways from K-20 to careers by mentoring students, coaching educators, and engaging communities. Initiatives like the HBCU/MI Pathways Network Initiative strengthen partnerships between minority-serving institutions and defense programs. We empower underrepresented groups through hands-on learning and strategic outreach, ensuring diverse talent thrives in science and technology fields.
Research & Innovation
We conduct rigorous research and evaluations to advance STEM knowledge and solve industry challenges. Our work includes assessing DoD-funded manufacturing programs and developing mentoring frameworks for women in STEM. By analyzing data and creating best practices, we help organizations improve inclusivity, validate program impacts, and drive innovation in workforce development.
Technical Assistance
We provide strategic coaching and proposal management to organizations implementing STEM initiatives. Our services include facilitating collaboration among Defense STEM Education Consortium partners and designing training programs for educators. By offering tailored solutions, we enhance collaboration, promote access for all students, and build sustainable STEM ecosystems in underserved communities.
Educator Training
We equip educators with tools and resources to inspire students through innovative STEM teaching. Our workshops leverage DoD STEM resources to enhance classroom instruction and expose students to critical technology fields. By aligning curricula with defense industry needs, we prepare teachers to guide students toward careers in high-demand STEM areas.
People
Karen Harper
President
Karen Harper leads BEST in expanding STEM access for underrepresented groups through strategic partnerships and data-driven programs that empower communities nationwide.
Stephanie Peluso
Senior Staff Accountant & Project Control Administrator
Stephanie Peluso brings 10+ years of expertise in accounting and operational support for defense contractors to BEST's financial management and project oversight.
Andrew-John 'AJ' Hickman
Consultant
AJ Hickman contributes technical expertise in mapping minority-serving institutions to BEST's defense program partnerships and outreach initiatives.
Questions
What does BEST do?
BEST promotes STEM equity through partnerships, data-driven programs, and initiatives to empower underrepresented groups in science and technology fields.
How does BEST support educators?
We provide workshops and resources to help educators leverage DoD STEM materials and guide students toward critical technology careers.
What STEM programs does BEST manage?
We lead initiatives like the Defense STEM Education Consortium and HBCU/MI Pathways Network to connect students and institutions with defense-related opportunities.
How does BEST evaluate program effectiveness?
We conduct rigorous research and evaluations, including assessments of DoD-funded manufacturing programs and mentoring frameworks for women in STEM.
What communities does BEST serve?
We focus on underrepresented communities nationwide through mentorship, educator training, and strategic outreach partnerships.
