Full STEM Ahead

The Full STEM Ahead 2026 is the inaugural flagship athletic fundraiser hosted by the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Mississippi Chapter. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8:30 AM CDT, the event starts at 800 Manship Street in Jackson, Mississippi. This new initiative is designed to bridge the gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education by raising scholarship funds for first-year students pursuing degrees in technical and business fields, as well as those seeking certifications at technical schools.

The event offers a variety of distances to accommodate everyone from serious long-distance runners to families with young children. The featured 10K Run serves as a centerpiece for workforce development awareness, while the 5K options and the 2K Fun Run provide accessible ways for the broader community to participate. Finishers across the categories will receive a commemorative medal, and participants are provided with event t-shirts to mark the first-ever occurrence of this Jackson tradition.

Jackson is the capital and most populous city in Mississippi, serving as a major hub for the state's government, healthcare, and educational sectors. The city has a deep historical connection to the civil rights movement and is home to several prominent institutions of higher learning, including Jackson State University. The local culture is characterized by a strong commitment to educational advancement and community-led initiatives that address workforce disparities in high-growth industries like energy and technology.

The "Full STEM Ahead" initiative specifically targets the energy sector's future workforce. By centering the event in Jackson, the AABE MS Chapter highlights career opportunities that are vital to the region's economic development. The community often rallies behind events that provide tangible support for students transitioning from high school to technical or university programs. This race serves as a platform to foster a pipeline of local talent, ensuring that the next generation of Jackson’s professionals has the financial backing needed to succeed in rigorous academic environments.

As an inaugural event, the 2026 race represents the start of a new tradition in the Mississippi capital. The funds raised are allocated directly to scholarship programs that remove financial barriers for students who might otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with STEM and business degrees. By supporting technical certifications as well, the event recognizes the diverse paths available in the modern energy field, from engineering to high-skilled technical labor.

For the participants, the morning at Manship Street is more than a workout; it is a collaborative investment in the state's future. The atmosphere is one of empowerment and visibility, as the AABE MS organization works to promote awareness of energy-related careers. As the countdown to May 2nd continues, the "Full STEM Ahead" run stands as a testament to the community's dedication to academic excellence and professional growth for all its residents.