[Ohio-Talk] EXT: STEM2U

[Andra Stover]

Hello Emily, I am so sorry that this will not work out this year. I know
you and others have worked very hard at this.
Andra

On Thu, Jun 26, 2025 at 8:02 AM Richard Payne via Ohio-Talk <
ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> The message is from Emly, and it is my belief that she worked hard to get
> this done the reality is several programs across the state are in
> competition with each other.
>
> We will review and find ways to offer services in the state several of
> you have reached out and hopefully some of those thoughts can provide a
> different approach.
>
> You can feel free to contact me off list, but this information is being
> provided to keep you informed.
>
> Hey guys,
>
> I have some unfortunate news. Had a long discussion this morning with my
> manager, co-cordinator, and our program services manager about STEM2U.
> Based on the current sign up numbers and the deadlines to order the
> materials, we won't be able to have STEM2U in Ohio this year. We only have
> one kid registered after months of emailing, handing out flyers, and
> calling. My team members at work have put in hours outside of their job to
> help with marketing and planning, but we decided that the costs are far
> outweighing the benefits currently. My affiliate has also supported the
> program as much as possible, and I have plenty of volunteers from my NFB
> chapter lined up. It's not because of a lack of effort or energy on
> anybody's part, we just haven't had* any* response for participation.
>
> There are several things that we talked about to do differently if we were
> to try again next year in Cincinnati. We would need to put a date on the
> calendar more than 6 months in advance to give ample time to talk it up. I
> think STEM2U could have been more successful if we combined it with another
> program this year. The pool of blind kids is relatively small, and they
> signed up for the bigger camp that the association for the blind is
> hosting. Transportation, of course, was the other issue. The parents that I
> talked to were unable or unwilling to transport the kids. The parent's
> meetup was meant to be an incentive for parents to come as well, but since
> our location is limited to weekdays, the timing conflifted with work hours.
> Getting parents on board is like pulling teeth. It's crazy.
>
> To be honest, I feel defeated and I'm very disappointed that Ohio won't
> have STEM2U this year. I really appreciate your wonderful help and support.
> I went into this knowing that it would be an uphill battle, but I think all
> the work and time this year will help the program in the future.
>
> Best,
>
> Emily
>
> --
>
> *Emily Kiehl*
>
> 813-394-2720
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>
> Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>
> 937/829/3368
>
> *Rchpay7 at gmail.com* <Rchpay7 at gmail.com>
>
> *www.nfbohio.org* <http://www.nfbohio.org>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
> all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
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