Who We Are

Originating Hope (OH) STEM is a free, educational service open to multiple communities that provides early exposure of science, technology, engineering, (arts) and math (STEM and STEAM) concepts to minority youth — those who are typically underrepresented, lack access to STEM programs due to school zoning, or lack the opportunity to be exposed to valuable knowledge and skills to help them succeed in the STEM fields. Driven by the deficit of minorities currently within the STEM industry, OH STEM will establish a solid foundation to improve the knowledge and understanding of STEM principles for this youth group. The provided exposure and education will serve as encouragement and motivation to pursue a post high school education in STEM areas of study to bolster the number of minorities working in the STEM industry. 


OH STEM’s Mission is to enrich the lives of underserved youth through the understanding and application of science, technology, engineering, and math.


Our Roots

OH STEM is the brainchild of Chimere Ravenel Waterstreet. Motivated by the fun and educational inspiration of the multiple STEM summer programs she attended at various colleges and universities in the Southeast as well as by her love of helping children experience the joy of learning, Chimere decided to establish a non-profit organization that combined the two. In 2020, she officially founded OH STEM, leveraging mobile STEM labs to bring STEM and STEAM concepts to youth in the underserved neighborhoods of McClellanville, Awendaw, and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.


Where We Serve

 OH STEM serves the following McClellanville, Awendaw, and Mt. Pleasant Settlement Communities and neighborhoods of South Carolina:

  • 2-mile
  • 4-mile
  • 6-mile
  • 7-mile
  • 8-mile
  • 10-mile
  • 15
  • 21
  • Buck Hall
  • Green Hill
  • Hamlin
  • McClellanville
  • Old Mt. Pleasant
  • Phillip
  • Pineland
  • Remley's Point
  • Snowden
  • White Hall Terrace
Share by: