A quarter-century ago, Matthew Weinberg says he wanted to do something to increase the number of people working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields who didn’t look like him.
So he turned his idea into Building STEPS (Science, Technology & Education Partnerships), a nonprofit serving Baltimore city high school students interested in pursuing careers in the STEM and health care fields.
On Thursday night, June 5, Building STEPS will celebrate its 25th anniversary at Guilford Hall Brewery, at 1611 Guilford Avenue in Baltimore’s Station North neighborhood.
The Towson-based nonprofit was founded by Weinberg, president of regulatory sciences at ProPharma Group and CEO of The Weinberg Group. Serving as CEO is Debra E. Hettleman, who has worked at Building STEPS since its inception.
Weinberg and his wife, Robin, continue to work with the organization, which is supported by “a diverse funding group of philanthropic organizations and individuals, most of them from Baltimore,” he said.
Adonna Robinson, who participated in the program in 2008, is now chair of Building STEPS’ alumni council.
“I have so many positive memories of Building STEPS and wanted to give back,” said Robinson. “Building STEPS positively impacted my life from high school to adulthood by providing many resources such as college workshops, resume-building, interviewing skills, networking opportunities and much more. This experience made me more confident as I navigate through my professional life.”
Building STEPS originally began as an internship program in Washington, D.C., working with three high schools and 20 students. In 2000, the program was relocated to Baltimore, operating out of Hettleman’s private residence. It now has a staff of seven and 150 volunteers working with 15 high schools throughout the city.
Annually, Building STEPS serves between 350-400 students, and accepts a new cohort of 80-90 each year.
“I am amazed,” said Weinberg, who lives in Bethesda and is the organization’s chair emeritus. “I had an idea, but I didn’t think it would work. It was a crazy idea.”
He largely credits Hettleman for hiring good people “to let them do their stuff.”
“There is a part of me that sees [Building STEPS] as bittersweet. I wish we didn’t have to do this, but we have to and will keep doing it,” Weinberg said. “I always thought we should have a diverse workforce because we get a diversity of ideas.”
The programming of Building STEPS includes STEM seminars, a summer experience, college workshops, alumni services and networking with local high schools.
Hettleman, who lives in Owings Mills, worked in real estate prior to joining Building STEPS.
“I wanted to do something different so that I could say at the end of the day, ‘Look at what we did today,’” she said.
Weinberg and Hettleman emphasized that the organization’s work and mission is data-driven. In 2019, they sponsored a study to examine the economic impact of Building STEPS, determining that the financial impact of the organization added millions of dollars to the local economy through graduates working in the STEM and health care fields.
Eighty percent of Building STEPS’ graduates earn college degrees, as compared to 6% in the schools served by the organization. Eighty-seven percent of Building STEPS students will be the first in their family to earn college degrees, and the graduates’ average annual income is $65,185.
“We give them the support, but they do the work,” said Hettleman. “All we do is make the connections, while they are the ones doing the work.”
Adonna Robinson said she hopes Building STEPS will continue its mission for many years to come.
“I hope future participants take full advantage of all the resources that Building STEPS offers,” she said. “It is important to have an organization that provides support for applying for colleges and financial aid and provide hands-on experience through STEM seminars, summer internships, and more.”
For information about the 25th anniversary event, visit buildingsteps.org/sponsorship-opportunities/event-tickets/.
Haydee M. Rodriguez is a local freelance writer.
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