Students from across the Bardstown community visited Nazareth on May 18 for the final session of the Rose Dodson Community STEM Mentorship Program, concluding a school year centered on hands-on learning, mentorship, and discovery. Hosted by Our Commonwealth and supported by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the program gives local students opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while building confidence and curiosity about the world around them.
Founded through the leadership of Dr. Britta Maciuba, the Rose Dodson Community STEM Mentorship Program was created after leaders at Our Commonwealth identified a need for additional STEM opportunities for Black and brown students in the Bardstown community. Because students from these groups remain underrepresented in science and math careers, the program works to increase access, representation, and opportunity. Support of the STEM program is one of several initiatives the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth has supported as part of a larger investment in the local Nelson County African American community.
For the past three years, the STEM program has added a new third grade class while continuing to support older students through advanced opportunities. This year, 60 students participated in the third and fourth grade portion of the program.
Third and fourth grade students attend monthly STEM sessions where they are introduced to a variety of science and math fields through interactive activities and demonstrations. Fifth graders, and next year sixth graders, participate in the Bardstown branch of the Future Healers program, sponsored by Christopher 2X, the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and the UofL Trauma Center in partnership with Our Commonwealth. Bardstown is the first rural location to host Future Healers, which is an important milestone for the community and the state.
Read More About The Future Healers Program Here
Monday’s visit to Nazareth focused on agriculture and environmental education. Students rotated through stations centered on bees, seeds, and plant identification, learning how pollinators support food systems and how native plants grow throughout Kentucky. The outdoor activities helped students connect science to everyday life while exploring Nazareth’s campus.
Hands-on learning has remained a key part of the program throughout the year. Students participated in a demonstration from Flaget Memorial Hospital where they had the opportunity to “scrub in” using surgical attire, explored fire safety with the Bardstown Fire Department and its fire truck, learned about water sustainability with New Pioneers, and studied soil quality and environmental stewardship through activities with Loretto Farm.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth remained involved throughout the year, helping lead activities and support students alongside educators and community partners. “This is important so that the children can see possibilities for themselves in the future, said Sister Tonya Severin, pictured below. “Possible ways that they can help other people and use their special gifts.”
Dr. Maciuba said students continue to look forward to each monthly session, especially because they are surrounded by peers who share similar interests and curiosity about science and math.
“Our students love coming to STEM every month,” she said. “They are excited to have a peer group that is enthusiastic about the same topics that interest them, and they thrive when they can learn in a safe and encouraging environment.”
Program leaders say students are already beginning to connect their experiences in STEM with future career goals.
“Our students tell us that they want to be doctors, nurses, engineers, computer scientists, and more when they grow up,” Dr. Maciuba said. “Showing them the possibilities in science and math fields translates into real world aspirations.”
Community partnerships continue to play an important role in the program’s success. Our Commonwealth has expanded opportunities for students in Nelson County by connecting schools, organizations, and local leaders around a shared commitment to education and access. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth also continue their long tradition of supporting initiatives that strengthen learning opportunities for young people in the community. Through programs like the Rose Dodson Community STEM Mentorship Program, students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and begin imagining future paths in growing STEM fields across Kentucky and beyond.
Looking ahead, organizers hope to continue supporting students throughout their academic journeys through tutoring, mentorship, networking opportunities, and continued exposure to STEM careers.
“Our goal is to continue to follow our students as they move through their academic careers,” Dr. Maciuba said, “providing resources, networking opportunities and ongoing support to enable them to succeed, especially if they continue to pursue STEM fields.”