Student Association for STEM Advocacy

The Student Association for STEM Advocacy (SASA) operates as a non-partisan, student-led organization dedicated to bridging the gap between young scientific minds and the legislative process. Its primary functionality revolves around civic engagement and policy education, specifically training students to effectively lobby government officials for increased research funding and improved STEM education standards. By organizing large-scale advocacy events—most notably the annual National STEM Advocacy Summit—SASA provides a platform where students engage in direct congressional outreach, presenting data-driven arguments to policymakers. Beyond direct lobbying, the association functions as a resource hub, offering toolkits and mentorship to help students establish local advocacy chapters, thereby cultivating a grassroots network of future leaders equipped to influence the intersection of science and public policy.

The Alien Raiders Area 53 robotics team from Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) played a pivotal role in these efforts by sending dedicated student representatives to the National STEM Advocacy Summits in both 2024 and 2025. By joining the Student Association for STEM Advocacy, the team successfully transitioned from building robots to building policy, actively meeting with members of Congress to champion the importance of accessible technical education and robust funding for competitive robotics programs.