Ernest Garrison is the CEO of StemulateOC, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that is dedicated to promoting STEM education and encouraging youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Ernest was born in Detroit, MI, and is a product of the Detroit Public School System. Intrigued by engineering at an early age, his parents enrolled him in the DAPCEP program (Detroit Are Pre-College Engineering Program). After DAPCEP, Ernest attended Cass Technical High School where he matriculated through their Chemical Engineering program graduating cum laude. He is a proud alumna of Pikes Peak Community College where he earned his Associate Degree in General Studies. After graduation, he transferred to Stony Brook University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics with a minor in Technological Systems Management.  

After Stony Brook, Ernest attended Hofstra University where he received an M.B.A. with a specialization in Information Systems. While researching at Hofstra, he was awarded a foreign residency to Japan where he worked with Toshiba and its research and development department. He later received his PMP and worked as an IT consultant before transitioning to STEM Education.  

Ernest later became the Director of the Murray Institute of Empowering Excellence. He developed the MIEE After-School STEM Lab in this position, designed to introduce middle and high school students to engineering and engineering concepts through labs and experiments. He also developed a homework assistance program that supports students in grades 6-12 in all subjects and provides resources when applying to college.

After teaching Engineering, Math, and Science in various roles, Ernest became the Assistant Director of the Office of Access and Inclusion at UCI – serving underrepresented and first-generation students within the colleges of engineering and computer science. In this role, he mentored and taught, focusing on innovation, programming, micro-computing, 3D fabrication, and other engineering concepts. He is the founding advisor for the Innovator Squad and Mentor/Advisor for the Base 11 outreach programs, ASPIRE/INSPIRE summer residencies, and Train the Trainer (a workshop that trains Community College instructors in the surrounding area).  

Through his work with StemulateOC, Ernest has spearheaded numerous initiatives and programs that provide hands-on learning experiences and educational resources to underprivileged and underserved communities. Under his leadership, the organization has been able to make a significant impact in the lives of countless students, empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM-related fields.  

In addition to his work with StemulateOC, Ernest is also the founder and owner of RoboMath, a professional tutoring company that specializes in helping students excel in their academic studies throughout middle and high school, and into college and STEM careers. With a team of dedicated educators and tutors, RoboMath has helped countless students achieve their academic goals and realize their full potential.

Ernest's academic achievements, passion for education, and commitment to STEM-related fields have earned him numerous accolades and awards, including scholarships and fellowships from prestigious institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation. He is a true leader in his field, and his dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of students and communities is truly inspiring.