The 2025 STEM Awards Breakfast hosted by the EDC of St. Charles County was an incredible morning celebrating the community's next generation of STEM talent and local educators leading the way in STEM and STEAM coursework.

The at-capacity event was held at Water’s Edge Banquet Center in St. Peters on Friday, March 7. Nineteen exceptional high school students—one from each of St. Charles County's public and private high schools—were honored for their achievements in STEM.

View Full List of Student Honorees

In addition to individual student achievements, the event underscored the importance of hands-on learning experiences and the role of educators in fostering a passion for STEM fields. The event recognized 30 local teachers, who were awarded a total of $27,500 in STEM and STEAM classroom grants.

Randy Schilling STEM Educators Grant

Named in honor of local entrepreneur and STEM advocate Randy Schilling, the grant provides teachers in St. Charles County with financial support for STEM-related classroom materials and projects. Since 2021, this program has helped teachers bring innovative tools and experiences to their students.

This year, the grant awarded a total of $17,500 in funding to ten local educators, thanks to a $10,000 annual endowment from Randy and Sibby Shilling, along with donations from General Motors, Jim and Randie Eberlin, and Partners for Community Progress.

View full list of STEM grant recipients

Dr. Bernard J. DuBray STEAM Grant for Fine Arts Educators

Created and sponsored by retired superintendent Dr. Bernard J. DuBray, this program provides funding to enhance Fine Arts curricula through technology. This grant is open to K -12 Fine Arts teachers in St. Charles County.

View full list of STEAM grant recipients

The EDC has long championed STEM education as a key public policy focus, partnering with local school districts, business leaders, and civic leaders to launch over 100 robotics teams and STEM summer camps.

"STEM and STEAM skills are the foundation of tomorrow’s workforce," said EDC President & CEO Scott J. Drachnik. "By recognizing rising talent and equipping educators with valuable resources, we're reinforcing St. Charles County’s reputation as a center for innovation and opportunity."

To learn more about the EDC's STEM and STEAM initiatives or to get involved, please contact Amanda Schaub at (636) 229-5286.

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