Inspiring the Next Generation
We believe all children can embrace their curiosity, define their potential, and change the world.
We believe all children can embrace their curiosity, define their potential, and change the world.
Advancing Rural Communities through STEM Education (ARCS-ED) is a 503(c) nonprofit organization dedicated to traveling to rural and underserved middle schools in South Carolina to provide experiential STEM learning opportunities. Our goal is to spark children's interest in STEM and encourage them to pursue STEM professions. We are committed to making a difference by providing hands-on, interactive experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
At ARCS-ED, our mission is to bring engaging STEM experiences to underserved communities, igniting a passion for science and technology in young minds. Through interactive events and hands-on activities, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
ARCS-ED was started originally as a policy proposal for the Pay It Forward competition. After winning funds from the regional competition sponsored by South Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the founders decided to make their proposal a reality. In 2025, ARCS-ED was approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
ARCS-ED arcs-ed.org ARCS ED ARCSED ARCS Education Advancing Rural Communities through STEM Education ARCS nonprofit ARCS-ED South Carolina STEM education nonprofits in South Carolina science outreach organizations for middle school students nonprofits that do school science events Pay It Forward STEM nonprofit education nonprofits from Pay It Forward Challenge student-led STEM nonprofit South Carolina organizations improving rural STEM education hands-on science nonprofits for kids how to volunteer with ARCS-ED support ARCS-ED nonprofit donate to ARCS-ED arcsed.org ARCS ED.org ARC SED ARCS-Ed STEM ARCS education nonprofit ARCS-ED LinkedIn ARCS-ED Facebook page ARCS-ED Instagram ARCS-ED founders ARCS-ED Clemson University Ryan Mehlem ARCS-ED Elizabeth Crapps ARCS-ED Pay It Forward Challenge South Carolina winners nonprofit started from Pay It Forward policy proposal STEM education initiatives funded by Electric Cooperatives SC arc-sed arcs edd arxed arks-ed arcs education program arcs stem outreach arcs-ed nonprofit org arcsed net arcs-education