An award honoring the memory of Aesha Jackson, an engineer who was passionate about opening the world of STEAM to young people, has been awarded to two Homewood-Flossmoor High School students.

The Aesha Jackson STEM Leader Award was presented by the Homewood Science Center to Annie Ford and Janell Robertson at the HSC’s Girls STEAM celebration April 11.  

The award is dedicated to Jackson, an H-F High alumna who earned a degree in electrical engineering. She was passionate about her profession and mentored, especially girls, in the areas of STEAM. She died in 2024. The award reflects she efforts to encourage students to both achieve and inspire.

Award nominees applied by creating a three-minute presentation aimed at engaging middle schoolers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Some shared personal experiences. Others highlighted innovations or demonstrated hands-on ideas.

Edie Dobrez, executive director of HSC, said the focus is not just on what H-F students have accomplished, but how they communicate to the middle school girls who attended the STEAM program.

“We’re not just looking for super academic achievement. It’s telling a compelling story. We want them to talk to the girls,” Dobrez said. “Near-peer mentorship is important.”

She finds that the connection can shape how students see themselves.

“I’ve had adult speakers in the past, and I don’t think this is resonating,” Dobrez said. “When it’s someone who looks like them, a year older, the eyes are a little bit wider.”

The $1,000 award is funded by the Jackson family, with support from Optiver, and is intended to continue annually.

For Dobrez, the goal is to give students both recognition and responsibility.

“It shows that we value them in a real way,” she said. “And it’s inspiring for the younger girls to meet these high school students.”