STEAM Initiatives
Through dedicated Tax Increment Finance (TIF) funding—guided by its STEM Education and Workforce Development (SEWD) Committee—the Oklahoma City Innovation District powers STEAM education and career development in Northeast OKC.
With nearly $700,000 awarded to date, the District helps bring high-impact math tutoring, after-school STEAM activities, and career-focused training to students and teachers in neighborhoods surrounding the Innovation District. These programs are designed to spark curiosity, build real-world skills, and open doors to in-demand careers in science, technology, and beyond.
2024-2025 funding was allocated to the following organizations:
Innovation Week
What?
Innovation Week is an opportunity for kids to experience hands-on STEAM activities like never before. Early on, we wanted to allow students to tour labs and tech companies in their own back yard; eventually, we thought “why not bring the labs to the students?.”
Who?
In total, our first three years have included nearly 3,000 7th graders across OKCPS, Millwood Public Schools, Harding, and one private school on the Eastside. 2024 was our largest at over 1,000 students and we aren’t slowing down.
Why?
92% of students who attend Innovation Week come from an economically disadvantaged household. It is vital for these students to understand that they can create realistic goals in STEAM and achieve those goals right here in Oklahoma.