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A recent survey from Bayer Corporation reports that "more than three-quarters (77%) of female and underrepresented minority chemist and chemical engineers polled say significant numbers of women and underrepresented minorities are missing from the US STEM workforce today because they were not identified, encouraged, or nurtured to pursue STEM studies early on" (Bayer, 2010).  Currently, New Ellenton Middle School's student population includes 49% females, 44% African Americans, and 16% Hispanics.  Based on the above percentages, the STEAM learning opportunities at New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School are inclusive.  All students have equal opportunities and are encouraged to participate in STEAM classes.  One way that we guarantee that all students are exposed to different areas of STEAM is through the use of student course requests and extracurricular clubs.  In March and April of every school year, students complete a course request form to choose STEAM exploratory classes.  Those classes include, but are not limited to, Intro to Coding, Future City, Girls in Engineering, Geo-literacy, and additional Career and Technology Education STEAM exploratory classes.  Students were given a choice of STEAM clubs such as Rube Goldburg Small Machines Club, Robotics, Media/Photography, and Video Design Clubs.  Each club engages students in the Engineering Design Process (EDP).  Students are also introduced to male and female STEAM mentors, African American and Hispanic STEAM mentors, through various programs offered at the school, such as Engineer Buddies, Career Café, and the Traveling Science and Mathematics Demonstrations Program. Through these programs, our students are able to interact with a diverse representation of STEM and STEAM professionals who reflect both a similar background and identity. These interactions offer opportunities for students to gain a better understanding of STEM and STEAM fields of study and guidance for future career choices.  This guidance is invaluable due to students receiving it directly from local STEM/STEAM professionals.

Another way New Ellenton guarantees that our non-traditional students have equal access to STEM and STEAM programs is through different outreach programs. Within our three-year strategic plan, we have outlined and implemented several initiatives, including programs and projects that immerse our students in STEAM and promote community involvement.  One such initiative includes our STEAM after-school program, which extends additional opportunities for non-traditional students to participate in STEAM related activities.  Additionally, our students in the Girls in Engineering class teach mini STEAM lessons to 5th graders in neighboring elementary schools.  Student volunteers facilitate STEM activities at the Science Education Enrichment Day at USC-Aiken.  The three-year strategic plan outlines how New Ellenton Middle will provide equal opportunity for students to become immersed in everything STEAM has to offer through collaborative learning, student directed learning, innovative learning spaces, and community partnerships.  In an effort to increase student population our STEAM Outreach Night for Rising Wolverines introduces all rising 6th graders in Aiken County to the STEAM opportunities available at New Ellenton Middle School.