named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
STEM robotics program for elementary and middle school students focusing on research, robotics design, and teamwork around annual themes such as environmental sustainability.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Robotics competition for high school students where teams design, build, and program robots to complete specific tasks; SMIST sponsors teams such as "System Override".
STEAM Night
Community event showcasing student projects and interactive STEM activities to engage families and promote interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
STEM Units for Elementary Students
Curriculum and activity-based STEM education modules delivered in schools or community centers to engage young learners in hands-on science and engineering.
SeaPerch
Underwater robotics program where students design and build remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for competition and hands-on learning in engineering and marine science.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Hands-On STEM Education Programs 6 activities
- Deliver summer STEM programsOffers multi-week summer STEM programs at community centers where students engage in hands-on learning, including building and programming LEGO MINDSTORMS robots, remote-controlled cars, carnival rides, and learning electronics and embedded programming.
- Develop and deliver STEM initiativesIdentifies, develops, delivers, and supports STEM education initiatives to increase student participation and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Engage students in STEM exploration and skill developmentEncourages students in the Schoharie and Mohawk regions to explore and develop skills in STEM fields through hands-on programs that build interest and capability in science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Operate FIRST LEGO League robotics teamsRuns FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams for students in grades 5-7 that meet weekly during the fall to build and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 and develop solutions to real-world scientific challenges, including participation in regional competitions.
- Provide STEM education units and classesProvides structured STEM educational units and classes for elementary students, including using conductive and insulating play dough to teach electrical circuit fundamentals and other hands-on science and engineering concepts.
- Run SeaPerch underwater robotics programImplements a SeaPerch program for students in grades 6-8 that meets weekly in the spring to build low-cost, accessible underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), teaching principles of marine engineering, naval architecture, tool safety, and teamwork, with preparation for regional competitions.
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STEM Competition and Robotics Programs 2 activities
- Organize and support student STEM competitionsOrganizes, fields, and supports student teams in regional STEM competitions, including four teams in the SeaPerch challenge at RPI and FLL qualifying tournaments, providing logistical and instructional support.
- Sponsor FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teamsSponsors and supports FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics teams, including team "System Override," providing resources and mentorship to prepare for and compete in FTC competitions.
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Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Produce and distribute STEM engagement materialsDistributes a newsletter containing math and engineering puzzles and practical tips for engaging students in STEM learning to support ongoing education and family involvement.
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Mentorship and Professional Development Programs 1 activity
- Train volunteers to support STEM programsProvides mentor training for community-minded volunteers in engineering, education, and technology to build capacity for delivering high-quality STEM instruction and program support.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$14K
Contributions & grants$11K76%
Program service revenue$3K24%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$16K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$64K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$64K
6 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue +31.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
board members · 3
- Bruce DeLaet — Board member
- Denise Zieske — Board Member
- Sue Larrabee — Community Outreach Director
relationships · 19
Who they work with
- 4EverBods Fitness Center Partner — Provides pool access for testing student-built ROVs in the SeaPerch program.
- Albany Academy for Girls Partner — Hosted the 2019 FTC Challenge Competition involving SMIST's team.
- Bechtel Partner — Partner organization supporting SMIST programs.
- DST Systems Partner — Partner organization supporting SMIST programs.
- Delanson United Methodist Church Partner — Hosts SeaPerch program meetings for middle school students.
- FIRST LEGO League Partner — Collaborates with FIRST LEGO League to run a team and participate in competitions
- FIRST LEGO League Partner — Partnered with FIRST LEGO League to organize and support a youth robotics team.
- Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory Government — Employer of key leadership team members and likely collaborator in technical programming.
- LEGO Education Partner — Partner organization linked for educational resources.
- LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Partner — Uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 as a technology platform in its STEM programs.
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Partner — Alma mater and employer of team members, indicating institutional ties supporting the organization's technical foundation.
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Partner — Hosted the SeaPerch regional competition in partnership with SMIST.
- SIMNet Network — SMIST is a member of the SIMNet network in Albany.
- Schenectady Foundation Partner — Partner organization supporting SMIST programs.
- State University of New York (SUNY) Partner — Employer of a board member and likely collaborator in workforce development and educational programming.
- Stewart's Shops Partner — Partner organization supporting SMIST programs.
- US Department of Commerce Government — Cited as a source for data on STEM job growth and economic impact.
- Walmart Partner — Partner organization supporting SMIST programs.
- littleBits Network — Leads the local chapter of the global littleBits network to promote accessible electronics education.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Based, Inclusive STEM Designmethodology: inclusive_stem_educationBy developing localized, accessible STEM initiatives that incorporate inclusive design—such as lowercase branding and integrated literacy—the organization increases participation because reducing perceived barriers makes STEM feel approachable and available to all children, regardless of background or ability.
- Experiential Mentorship in STEMmethodology: experiential_mentorshipBy pairing youth with experienced professionals in engineering, education, and technology, the organization cultivates long-term engagement in STEM fields because real-world mentorship models scientific identity and builds confidence through relational learning.
- Hands-On, Inquiry-Based Learningmethodology: inquiry_based_learningBy using inquiry-based, experiential methods such as play with conductive dough and robotics projects, the organization fosters STEM engagement because hands-on exploration leverages children's natural curiosity and builds practical skills through real-world problem solving.
- Project-Based STEM Engagementmethodology: project_based_learningBy organizing sustained, project-based activities such as robotics competitions and underwater vehicle construction, the organization deepens student investment in STEM because long-term, goal-oriented teamwork reinforces technical and collaborative skills in authentic contexts.