High school students across Wyoming have opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through the Teton STEM Academy—thanks to a generous estate gift from donors who cared deeply about Wyoming and its future.

The lasting legacy of the late Harry and Mary Ann Lawroski reflects their passion for opportunity and innovation and opens the doors of the Teton STEM Academy to students free of charge. The academy is a summer living-learning program for Wyoming high school students. Directed by Chip Kobulnicky, a professor in the UW Department of Physics and Astronomy, the program provides hands-on research experiences and meaningful mentorship, creating a powerful pipeline to higher education and STEM careers.

“Harry believed that young people should be inspired by challenging hands-on activities in science and engineering,” Kobulnicky says. “That’s what we aim to provide.”

‍

Harry was a respected chemical engineer and former president of the American Nuclear Society. His wife Mary Ann was a family finance specialist and had a deep belief in the power of education.

“We are deeply appreciative of Harry and Mary Ann’s generous support of STEM educational opportunities for young people across the state of Wyoming,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “Although neither of them were graduates of UW, they were both keenly aware of the important role that UW plays in supporting these educational opportunities for students across Wyoming.”

‍