Akron Public Schools’ mission is to "prepare each child for success." The Science and Health Department supports this mission by being a trailblazer in promoting inquiry and STEM opportunities in and beyond the classroom. The department consists of Katrina Halasa, Ph.D., Science & Health Learning Specialist K-12; Johnna O'Neal, Instructional Specialist; and Krista Galloway, Secretary III. Together they provide 60 years of combined mentoring. During Dr. Halasa’s 16-year tenure, the department lowered barriers by providing STEM opportunities to over 50,000 diverse scholars. Mentoring is based on a three-tiered approach: teachers, scholars, and partners. The process begins by reviewing teachers’ interaction with the curriculum, whether content knowledge or the ability to make science relevant by connecting it to real-life experiences. The organization mentors alongside community partners to design opportunities to be win-win situations for partners and Akron scholars who are underrepresented in STEM. The robust mentoring has created teachers, scholars, and partner leaders who pay it forward in the community. We foster trust to DO—not just read—science. Akron's mentoring strategy is the foundation for 35 K-12 grade-level STEM activities (Butterfly Cycle, ChickQuest, Bridge Breaking), 50 problem-based projects (Citizen Soil Testing, Zipping to STEM, Rockets Away), 600 professional development sessions, and connecting with 300 community partners. The STEM EXPO grew from 150 to over 500 projects. Over 80% of the 2022 graduates earned the Ohio’s Science Seal for their diplomas. Since 2003, 20 schools and 2,118 staff have received 132 Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM. Akron earned the INSIGHT Into Diversity 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.