Hands-On STEM, Real-World Impact

About the Guests

Jonathan Clark is a multidisciplinary artist, activist, and CEO/Founder of ART.Official Intelligence, a creative agency focused on social impact through the arts and technology. As a member of the Knoxville Mayor’s Maker City Council, Jonathan has played a key role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration within the local creative community. Known for his work as a spoken word poet, playwright, and facilitator of workshops that build bridges in communities, Jonathan’s commitment to cultural expression and social impact has led him to work on projects that empower and uplift underserved groups.

Candice Halbert is the president and founder of YO-STEM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underserved youth with hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Candice is also a Scientific Associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where she specializes in polymer chemistry and neutron scattering. Her advocacy in STEM education has earned her recognition, including being named one of People Magazine’s 2023 Women Changing the World. Through YO-STEM, Candice has mentored over 3000 students, empowering them to pursue STEM careers and build the skills they need to thrive.

Why This Matters

STEM education is a powerful tool for addressing inequality and preparing the next generation for an evolving workforce. However, many underserved communities still face limited access to these opportunities. This episode highlights the work being done by Candice Halbert through YO-STEM, providing diverse youth, especially girls, cultural minorities, and low-income students, with access to hands-on STEM education that can change their futures.

This episode is for educators, mentors, and anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive and innovative future. Jonathan and Candice share their real-world experiences and insights into how hands-on STEM programs can break barriers, inspire leadership, and empower the next generation of innovators.

100Knoxville is a cohort-based program from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center that is helping build a prosperous, thriving community by accelerating the growth of Black-owned businesses through the deliberate investment of assistance, mentorship, and capital.

Key Takeaways:

• STEM can level the playing field. Providing underserved youth with hands-on STEM experiences breaks down barriers and creates equal opportunities.
• Diversity drives innovation. Including diverse perspectives in STEM leads to new ways of solving problems and thinking creatively.
• Mentorship is key. Candice’s work with over 3000 students shows that mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding young people to explore and excel in STEM fields.
• Real-world applications inspire engagement. Robotics competitions and similar activities give students the opportunity to apply knowledge, build confidence, and develop critical skills.
• Opportunities are essential. Every student, regardless of th

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible.

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker.