By Sammie Garrity l October 29, 2026

For many Muslim students, pursuing an career in science can come with questions about how their religious and cultural identities fit into those STEM fields. Through the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship, a team of UW–Madison students is working to educate Wisconsin communities and students that faith and science can go hand in hand.

Students from the Islamic STEM Association (iSTEM) at UW–Madison partnered with Madinah Academy and the Dawah Center to develop a STEM curriculum for Muslim youth in the Madison and Milwaukee communities.

Through an inquiry-based learning approach, iSTEM’s project encourages students to explore scientific concepts, strengthen their critical thinking skills and connect their interests in science with their Islamic identities. By incorporating faith and cultural representation into STEM education, the team hopes to create an environment where Muslim youth feel empowered to pursue careers in STEM without compromising their religious and cultural identities.

The project is a reflection of the Wisconsin Idea in action, ultimately bringing together university students and community partners to make STEM education more inclusive and accessible for future generations