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From Moonwalks to Solar-Powered Stages: Meet Adam Hall, Chief Organizer of Million Solar Stars
As part of our STEM leaders April series, we are honored to feature Adam Hall. Adam Hall is a Design Teacher at the International School of Denver and Chief Star Organizer of Million Solar Stars.
Tell us about your journey
I’m fortunate to come from a big, loving family that values holiday gatherings, sports, music, travel—and, of course, hard work! Being born in Saudi Arabia always gave me a sense of uniqueness and pride growing up, and I’m convinced my early years abroad sparked a curiosity for adventure and international travel. My upbringing undoubtedly shaped my global mindset and tendency to dream big.
While earning a B.A in Biology from the University of Colorado, a couple friends and I had an ambitious idea—to moonwalk from Boulder to Denver (30 miles) to promote a "Mission to the Moon"-scale project for renewable energy in schools. What started as a wild stunt turned into a Guinness World Record, additional moonwalks over the Golden Gate Bridge, on the Great Wall of China, and in Austin with MTV. This effort led to presentations at schools and some very interesting events along the way.
From early moonwalking days to teaching in Shanghai, Dubai, and now at the International School of Denver, my career has been dedicated to empowering students through STEAM education, design thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Whether designing solar race cars, generating comic book characters with Ai, coding robots, or performing music on a solar-powered stage, my goal is to engage learners with fun and impactful lessons. These initiatives have been rewarding and have led to clean energy projects at schools across China, the U.A.E., Kenya, and the U.S.A.
I’m still dreaming big— as Chief Star Organizer of the nonprofit Million Solar Stars, we’re building a Solar Star Challenge platform to supercharge the creative powers of young minds and bring solar projects to schools globally.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Several key experiences led me to where I am today:
- Working in Student Support and teaching science – helped me realize how hands-on STEAM activities generally have a high level of engagement, enjoyment, and value.
- Service Learning Trips – planting trees in Inner Mongolia alongside students as part of the Million Tree Project and providing solar reading lights to schools in Kenya have been transformative experiences.
- Launching Million Solar Stars and receiving endorsements from Dr. Jane Goodall, Akon, Former U.S. Senator Mark Udall, and Salva Dut – This initiative started as an idea to educate students about solar energy and has grown into an international movement promoting renewable solutions in schools and communities.
- Teaching MYP Design & STEAM – Seeing students light up when they realize they can create real-world solutions through design and technology has been incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a similar career?
- Find a purpose-driven mission – Whether it’s design, technology, sustainability, or something else that drives you, align your work with a cause you believe in. When you face inevitable challenges, your purpose will help you keep moving in the right direction.
- Engage students through hands-on projects – The best way to teach STEAM is through real-world applications that inspire problem-solving.
- Be a lifelong learner – technology and education are constantly evolving. Continuous learning will help you stay up to date.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I believe education has the power to change the world. Seeing students develop a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and sustainability is what keeps me inspired. Children and young adults have incredible imaginations and innate creative thinking abilities. With the right opportunities and incentives in place, students have great potential to be changemakers.
Million Solar Stars’ flagship program, the Solar Star Challenge, provides a platform for students to harness their creative superpowers and make a positive impact. The challenge encourages competition with innovative STEAM projects that bring solar campaigns, artwork, comics, and designs to schools. It’s rewarding to see the brilliant ideas young creators develop.
Top student projects receive well-deserved recognition, with standout submissions earning Solar Star Awards, which include certificates, social media shoutouts, and highly coveted Starbucks gift cards.
Through my work in MYP Design and Million Solar Stars, I strive to show students that they are more than just learners—they are innovators, inventors, and changemakers. The belief that small projects can lead to big impact—and that inspiring even one student to create positive change—drives my passion to keep moving forward.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
- Surround yourself with people who inspire you – Learning from mentors, educators, and changemakers will accelerate your growth.
- Your creativity is your superpower – Whether in design, technology, or sustainability, never underestimate the power of imagination and innovation.
- Build a coalition of educators, students, influencers, and titans of industry to scale positive impact.
- Keep practicing guitar and get ready for the big show!
How can GlobalMindED support STEM leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED can play a key role in advancing STEM education and sustainability initiatives by:
- Expanding mentorship networks – Connecting educators and students with industry leaders in STEM and sustainability.
- Offering funding and connecting projects with resources and potential sponsors – Supporting schools and educators in implementing hands-on STEM projects in underserved communities.
- Helping raise awareness for the currently featured - Solar Star Comic Challenge - an interactive collaboration where students and professional comic artists come together to create a compelling, action-packed comic series—Solar Stars vs Dark Matter: The Battle Over Climate Change. The project encourages students to blend their creativity with Ai ideation, and ultimately make real-world impact.
I’d love to collaborate on initiatives that empower students to become the next generation of STEAM innovators, problem solvers, and climate leaders!
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