TGR Foundation is excited to welcome 30 new educators across the country to the 2025 Department of Defense (DoD) STEM Ambassador program. Managed and facilitated by TGR Foundation since 2021, the program is a yearlong initiative that provides funding, training and support to advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, to prepare students to enter the future STEM workforce.
Each STEM Ambassador is selected through a rigorous application process by an organization in the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) or by a DoD agency. DSEC is a collaboration between academia, industry, non-profit organizations and government entities aimed at broadening STEM literacy and preparing the next generation STEM workforce. TGR Foundation has been a proud DSEC partner since the consortium’s inception in 2019.
Throughout their time in the program, STEM Ambassadors:
- Develop Impact projects to ensure students have opportunities to participate in meaningful STEM learning experiences.
- Present at a variety of STEM and education conferences nationwide.
- Share STEM resources and opportunities with students and educators.
- Engage in professional development aligned with emerging STEM fields and workforce needs.
TGR Foundation has selected Cat Brandon and Jason Morgan as its 2025 DoD STEM Ambassadors.
Brandon, an instructional coach in mathematics for grades K-8 in the Philadelphia School District, brings more than 16 years of experience in supporting teachers and students. She is dedicated to making math accessible and engaging for all learners.
“I’m so thrilled to join the DoD STEM Ambassador Program in partnership with TGR [Foundation] because, as a K-8 Math Instructional Coach in West Philadelphia, I’m passionate about creating joyful and accessible STEAM learning experiences that can inspire students and educators alike,” she said. “This program aligns perfectly with my dedication to fostering hands-on STEAM resources that both engage and empower learners.”
Jason, a high school mathematics and data science teacher in Compton, CA, has more than 18 years of experience in education and a passion for using data-driven instruction to engage students.
“I feel honored to be selected as a DoD STEM Ambassador and to join a family of educators,” he said. “I am looking forward to building my own capacity and network in order to inspire students with the transformative power of STEM for the betterment of their communities, the STEM field at large and our global society.”
In addition to their work as DoD STEM Ambassadors, Brandon and Morgan will also support TGR Foundation throughout the year in its mission to empower students to pursue their passions through education. TGR Foundation is proud to support these educators and looks forward to the impact they will make in classrooms and communities nationwide.
For more information about educator professional learning opportunities, visit TGRFoundation.org. Learn more about the DoD STEM Ambassador Program and other educators in the program at https://dodstem.us/meet/ambassadors/.
