Why I Give: Jennifer’s STEM Story

Jennifer Goforth, Executive Director at General Motors, and SAE Foundation Trustee, shares how one spark inspired her love of STEM and why she gives to help students who might not otherwise get the chance to say, “I did it.” Read her story.

When I think about why I give, I think about the voices we don’t always hear.

The student who thinks they’re not smart enough.

The girl who’s told engineering isn’t for her.

The sixth grader who stopped raising his hand in math class.

I give because I remember what it felt like being the only girl. But I also remember what it felt like to try something new.

When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to live next to a retired engineer named Mr. Grover. He sparked my love for tinkering and STEM.

But what about the kids who don’t have a Mr. Grover? The ones who never get to build something with their own hands. To see it move. To make it work. They might never get the chance to think, “I can do this.”

That’s what first drew me to volunteer with A World In Motion, the hands-on STEM program supported by the SAE Foundation.

It’s been more than 20 years since I first volunteered in a classroom, and my eyes still well up when I think about that day. I can still see their faces. Skeptical at first, then cheering by the time we came back the next year.

All it takes is one spark to flip the story. From “This is the moment I give up.” To “This is the moment I believe in myself.” 

That’s what the SAE Foundation makes possible every day. Real sparks. Real confidence. Real change for students who just need a chance.

I give so more students can go from thinking “I can’t” to knowing “I did.”

That’s why I support hands-on STEM education. That’s why I’m now a Trustee for the SAE Foundation. That’s why I give. 

On Giving Tuesday, I hope you’ll join me and give the life-changing gift of STEM education. Students are counting on us.

Jennifer Goforth
Executive Director at GM
SAE Foundation Trustee