Project LEDO has made a significant impact on over 1,500 children in the Portland area since its inception in 2021. Founded by Fidel Ferrer, the nonprofit focuses on providing STEM education through Lego robotics, serving as a crucial resource for low-income and minority students.
Ferrer’s efforts have garnered recognition, as he is set to receive the STEM Educator of the Year award at the GeekWire Awards on May 7. The event will take place at Seattle’s Showbox SoDo, with sponsorship from First Tech. Ferrer, alongside Tracy Drinkwater of the Seattle Universal Math Museum, will be honored for their contributions to education.
According to Cynthia Kieffer, principal at Lent Elementary, the program fosters essential skills such as teamwork and perseverance. Similarly, Eman Abbas from the Iraqi Arabic School noted that students show increased engagement in STEM topics within the program's nurturing environment.
Ferrer, who immigrated from Cuba and initially pursued a career in dentistry, shifted to technology after earning a degree in biochemistry from Portland State University. His transformative experiences volunteering in schools motivated him to create a supportive space where students of diverse backgrounds can thrive in STEM fields.