Growing the STEM fundraiser pits fifth graders against local celebrities

Fifth graders from four Coeur d’Alene-area schools will step onto a game-show stage May 13, then spend the evening trying to outscore 30 local celebrities in a fundraiser that is really about keeping STEM classes free for local kids.

Growing the STEM’s first annual gala and auction is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Ave. The event uses an Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? format, with Hayden Meadows Elementary’s Ryan Snook, Fernan STEM Academy’s Noelle Webster, Bryan Elementary’s Logan White and Fernan’s Easton Helbling set to compete against a roster that includes Mrs. Kootenai County Stormie Norton.

The playful setup is meant to support a serious budget. Executive Director Whitney Dudley said the nonprofit’s annual budget is about $100,000 and the gala is expected to raise $65,000 to help close a gap left by grants that are no longer available. The organization says it costs about $50 per child to run its programs, which ties every auction bid and sponsorship directly to how many students can participate.

“We are hoping to fund our programs completely,” Dudley said.

Growing the STEM says that money pays for free after-school programs in the Coeur d’Alene School District, including Math is Cool, Mathletes, STEM Club, Chess Club, STEM Book Club, Architecture Club, Aerospace Club, Health and Science Club and STEAM Club. Founded in 2017 by two Coeur d’Alene students, the nonprofit says it has grown from two programs to more than 40 programs in 14 schools. United Way of North Idaho says the organization served more than 900 students and 100 youth coaches in the past year.

That growth matters beyond one night of entertainment. Growing the STEM says math performance in the community begins to decline as early as fourth grade, and only 36% of students are performing at grade level in math by high school. The group also says Idaho has many STEM jobs unfilled and that 16 of the 20 fastest-growing careers in the state require STEM skills, a labor-market gap that gives the fundraiser a clear economic purpose: build the pipeline before students fall behind.

The numbers behind the program suggest there is demand for more. United Way of North Idaho says Mathletes participants posted a 25% increase in describing math as interesting after seven weeks, 95% said the program was exciting and principals have requested 53% more programs.

Dudley, an Idaho native and University of Idaho graduate, took over as executive director in 2025. She has more than 10 years of school volunteer and PTA experience and works part-time on the Reading Team at Dalton Elementary. For Growing the STEM, the gala is a test of whether a local pipeline for math and science can stay open as grant funding shifts, and whether one fundraiser can keep free enrichment within reach for more Kootenai County students.