GOT STEM?

Monthly Newsletter - April 2025

• News from the McKinney Center
• Events, Workshops & Webinars
• Opportunities for Students & Families
• Classroom & Out-of-School Time Resources
• Grants, Funding, Fellowships & Scholarships
• Career Opportunities
• Articles and Publications

• 2025 CSTA UnConference - Join us for an interactive event featuring guided discussions with CSTA Chapter Leaders and PaTTAN consultants. All K-12 educators are welcome to attend. Participants will break out into smaller groups to tackle key topics in CS education such as: recruiting underrepresented students to CS, teaching CS with evidence-based practices, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence in computing. There is no cost to participate and Act 48 hours will be provided. April 5, 2025.
• 5th Annual Conference on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Education: Why DEI? It Matters! - Presented by Gwynedd Mercy University's College of Arts, Sciences & Professional Studies this event is free and offers Act 48 credits. It is open to PreK-12 and higher education educators, administrators, and staff, as well as interested students, parents, and community members. April 7 and 8, 2025.
• Bringing Joy back into the Math Classroom: Problem-based math instruction in the Philadelphia School District - The Philadelphia STEM Teacher Talent Coalition invites college and high school students interested in learning more about teaching to join us for an interactive webinar on new approaches in Math teaching. Dr. Jessica Tilli, Director of Mathematics for the School District, will share the district’s vision for math instruction and spend time thinking about how a problem-based teaching and learning cycle centers students in the mathematics classroom. April 9, 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:15pm.
• Creating Relevant and Meaningful STEM Experiences Online Workshop - Join us as we explore the importance of relevance in STEM learning experiences. We will start with an introduction to the principles of relevance, sharing strategies found to be successful during a study of place-based learning in the NISE Network's STEM Learning Ecosystems project. Whether you are already involved in a STEM ecosystem, looking for ways to get more involved, or simply want to create stronger partnerships within your community, don't miss this opportunity to learn how to take the first steps towards creating more relevant and meaningful STEM experiences. April 15, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.
• 2025 Equity in Medical Education Summit - Consortium of DEI Health Educators Join us as we bring together thought leaders, educators, and advocates committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in medical education and healthcare. This summit will feature engaging discussions, expert panels, and networking opportunities designed to drive meaningful change. April 22, 2025 from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the National Constitution Center.

Looking for more to do STEM related? 

Search for a variety of STEM opportunities including family days, workshops, webinars, and more at PSEC's Event Calendar Page. 

• Parent & Family University Kickoff Tours, School District of Philadelphia - The SDP is re-launching Parent & Family University, and we want to hear from you! Join us at one of the Kickoff Tour sessions being hosted around the city in April to let us know what kind of learning opportunities and resources are helpful to you and your family. April 2, 7 and 10 and all sessions will be held in-person from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Family Engagement Workshop: Early Literacy, STEM & Science of Reading - April is here, and La Fuerza de Familias Latinas (LFFL) is excited to bring free virtual workshops to Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers of children ages 0-8 in Philadelphia! These workshops are designed to provide practical strategies in Early Literacy, STEM and the Science of Reading to help families support their children’s learning at home. Participants will receive 5 free culturally relevant books! April 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11, 2025 either at 10:00am or 5:00pm.
• World Science Scholars - a free program of the World Science Festival, selects a small group of high school students from around the world with extraordinary mathematical talent and provides them with an unparalleled opportunity to apply their abilities to unexplored disciplines. Guided by world-renowned experts, scholars examine ways that advanced mathematics skills can be applied to solve complex challenges in a wide range of scientific fields. Deadline to apply is April 13, 2025.
• 2025 I AM PHL Contest - PhllyGoes2College - Philadelphia high school students, show off your one-of-a-kind talent to win one-of-a-kind prizes! Presented by PhillyGoes2College in partnership with Wawa Welcome America and Vanguard. Like PhillyGoes2College and The Wawa Welcome America Festival, this contest is a celebration of Philadelphia and a celebration of YOU. Your talent, your passions, your future. Enter by submitting original work in music, visual art, or spoken word/public speaking performance. To learn more about the contest, we encourage you to attend the I AM PHL Student Summit on March 29th, 2025 from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Thomas Jefferson University East Falls Campus. Submission deadline is April 15, 2025.
• Eureka! - Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey. Join Eureka! to participate in an engaging summer camp filled with hands-on STEM activities! Girls will also delve into the professional world by going on career exploration field trips, interact with professionals in various STEM fields, engage in sports, and learn how to live healthy lifestyles that nourish the body and mind. This 5-year STEM-based program is designed to engage and empower 8th-12th grade girls by encouraging sisterhood, healthy risk-taking, and STEM exploration through year-round college readiness, paid internships, and mentoring opportunities. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2025.
• Inspire to Teach - Future Educator Forum for Philadelphia High School Students Join us for an exciting event designed to help high school students explore careers in education. This in-person fair will feature interactive workshops, info sessions from teacher preparation programs, and networking opportunities with education professionals. Don't miss this chance to inspire the next generation of teachers! April 16, 2025, at 5:00pm to 8:00pm at The Hive at Spring Point.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Challenge - This a statewide (PA) competition challenges teams of students in 9th through 12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world lifesaving challenges. Students are asked to create a video explaining why being an organ donor is crucial and why you will designate yourself. The statewide winning team will be awarded $3,000. Submission deadline is April 18, 2025.
• Temple Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science program - These are college access programs designed to provide first-generation, low-income, and/or students at academic risk the supports needed to pursue and be successful through a college degree. The programs operate year-round and consist of weekday after-school tutoring and college access programming, Saturday academic instruction and enrichment, and a six-week summer program that culminates with a multi-day trip touring college campuses. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.
• Camden Dream Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School - is an in-person 6-week summer program with literacy CDF integrated reading curriculum, STEM enrichment program, and includes Innovative Lit Lab. This well-rounded summer program focuses on developing a love for reading, avenues for exploring science, technology, engineering, math, and encourages positive attitudes toward learning. Program runs from June 30 to August 6, 2025.
• VirtuaQuest - Drexel University Digital Development Camp - this specialized three-week, in-person summer program led by College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) provides participants with the chance to engage deeply with technology and digital development topics, guided by expert faculty and student leaders. Participants gain hands-on experience in areas such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, programming, and game development while building technical skills and exploring future paths in computing. The camp is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and accepted CCI first-year students.  Program is from July 7-24. 2025.
• Community College of Philadelphia's Advance College Experience (ACE) - Motivated students entering 9th through 12th grade, as well as students up to age 21 actively pursuing a high school credential or GED, are invited to experience higher education courses and earn college credit while exploring career interests. Earning college credits now will save you time and money later as you work toward your degree. Program runs from July 8 through August 6, 2025.
• Brite’s Virtual STEM Role Model Camp - an online, interdisciplinary STEM program for youth entering 7th-10th grade. The camp will meet online for 5 days, 3 hours daily, in July 2025. Organized by NGCP and Smart Girls HQ, Brite will spark curiosity, foster creativity, all while having fun doing STEM projects and meeting STEM professionals.  
• Jr. STEM Academy’s STEAM Summer Camp at Community College of Philadelphia - This exciting camp is designed for 5th through 8th grade students, and offers an unforgettable experience as they dive into the worlds of performing arts, science, technology, engineering, and math. Camp is from June 30 – July 31, 2025 from 8:30am – 3:30pm. Deadline to apply will be mid-June or when capacity is reached.

Looking for other

Out-of-School Time STEM programs? 

Visit our Philadelphia STEM Education Directory for programs geared to students Pre-K through high school.

New Resources:

• 2025 Teach Engineering Champions Institute (TECI) Program - A TECI is a K-12 formal or informal educator who demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing engineering education. Champions serve as leaders and advocates for engineering education, inspiring their peers, students, and communities to embrace the importance of engineering in preparing future generations for the challenges of the 21st century. Our resources can be used by educators to help prepare our students for successful futures in the workforce. The institute is August 4-6, 2025. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.
• CS Sparks: Igniting the Future of CS - Do your students love computer science (CS)? Whether they’re coding games, building robots, or collaborating on creative projects, we want to see their enthusiasm! K-8 educators are invited to submit a project that shows students' excitement about CS—whether it's photos, videos, drawings, poems, songs, or something else!
• CSinPA AI Toolkit for Educators v.2.0 - The AI Toolkit is designed to support educators in effectively integrating artificial intelligence into their teaching practices. This toolkit offers a variety of resources to enhance your understanding and application of AI in the classroom.
• LabXchange - A global science classroom open to every curious mind. Created at Harvard University with support from the Amgen Foundation, this powerful digital tool makes high-quality science education accessible and gives learners and educators, everywhere, the courage to chart a meaningful path in science—for free.
• FAFSA Resources - College Access & Success Ecosystem - Find useful FAFSA resources for practitioners, students, and families.
• Pennsylvania State Parks Educator E-Blast - Explore the many opportunities available through May 2025 in this edition of their newsletter. Explore the Educator Workshops and look through the available free materials and resources.

Need ideas for a STEM Fields trips? 

Explore our Philadelphia STEM Field Trip Guide

Need ideas for STEM Outreach programs?

 Explore our Philadelphia STEM Outreach Guide

• 2025 AABE Philadelphia Scholarship - The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Philadelphia Chapter is offering up to six $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school students in the Greater Philadelphia Area. This scholarship assists students with their higher education needs. The recipients of the scholarship will receive $1,000 their freshmen year and another $1,000 their sophomore year (based on proof of attendance). In addition, the students are provided a mentor from one of our chapter organizations. Deadline to apply is April 7, 2025.
• Philadelphia Regional STEM Teaching and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (TREU) - College students are invited to apply for the TREU program, a 9-week (June 9 – August 8, 2025) immersive summer experience in secondary science and mathematics education at Temple University. Ten undergraduate STEM students will be selected to participate in the program. Deadline to apply is April 8th, 2025.
• The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence - this prize recognizes outstanding skilled trades teachers and programs in public high schools in the United States. The prize aims to honor educators who inspire students to pursue careers in these fields. It offers significant cash prizes to support these educators and their programs. The prize includes $1.5 million in cash awards, with specific amounts distributed among winners and finalists Deadline to apply is May 2, 2025.
• Franklin C. Ash Summer Internship Program - a seven-week summer internship opportunity for undergraduate college students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of nonprofit work. Selected students work with local nonprofits to gain hands-on experience. They also participate meet has a cohort each week of the program for professional development and service projects. Upon successfully completing the program, students receive $2,000. Program runs June 16 through August 1, 2025.

New Postings:

• AmeriCorps VISTAs - PHENND Fellows - Join a cohort that works to strengthen communities and alleviate poverty by building capacity at local Philadelphia nonprofits. ​PHENND Fellows places passionate and talented college graduates with local Philadelphia nonprofits as AmeriCorps VISTA members. The program has a three-fold mission (1) Support local nonprofits fighting poverty across a wide range of issues (2) Train and retain local talent to stay and work in Philadelphia and (3) Develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Application deadline is May 31, 2025.​​
• STEM Teacher for Camp Adonai - Part Time - Enon Coulter Community Development Corporation - The ECCDC is looking for teachers who would like part-time summer employment for 10 hrs. per week from June 26th through August 8th. Candidate will be teaching 5-13 year old project based activities using Lego Spike Prime Robotics (10-13 year old), Lego Spike Essentials Robotics (5-9 year old), Scratch (with AI extensions), and Scratch Jr.
• Penn Museum Summer Camp Counselor - This position is responsible for leading and assisting small and large groups of campers in a variety of activities. The activities include gallery tours, art-making projects, games, scavenger hunts, and performances during the summer camp season. Counselors help to foster a fun and positive learning environment by facilitating friendships and teamwork among campers while acting as a mentor.
• High School Program 9-12 Teen Program Manager - Project HOME - This position oversees the continued development, implementation, and evaluation of programs geared towards raising the academic, technology, college and trade school-readiness and employment skills of neighborhood youth grades 9 – 12. Manager oversees programs in STEAM and Digital Arts, Academic Enrichment, College Access, and Employment Preparation. They are also responsible for the implementation of technology-based classroom learning and assessment as well as for the recruitment, management, and training of Teen program full-time and part-time staff.
• Community Educator - Vetri Community Partnership - We are seeking an engaging Community Educator who will work across VCP programs to lead cooking classes, recipe samplings, and nutrition education activities forkids, adults, and families across Philadelphia and Camden. The Community Educator works to inspire community members of all ages to include nutritious foods in meals for themselves and their families.

Previous Postings:

• High School Science and Math Teachers - Mastery Charter Schools - – We are seeking strong High School Science Teachers. Hear from our teachers HERE about why they teach at Mastery & join a team of dedicated educators working to fulfill our mission that All students learn the academic and personal skills they need to be truly prepared for success after graduation and able to pursue their dreams. Reach out to recruitment@masterycharter.org or apply HERE today! 
• After-School Program Site Director - Urban Affairs Coalition - The Site Director will be responsible for the implementation and general management of YOACAP’s OST program (after-school and summer camp) for students at Tilden Middle School. Responsibilities include program planning, coordinating daily activities, working directly with students, managing the Activities Leaders, and written evaluation of staff on a regular basis.

Newly Posted Articles & Publications:

• Beyond1ooK 2025 Trends Report: Trends and Predictions That Are Defining STEM in 2025, Beyond100K,, March 4, 2025.
• Unleashing American Potential, VAST (Vision for American Science & Technology), 2025

Previously Posted Articles

• Navigating Internships Impacted by the Funding Freeze, Mobilize Green, 2025
• Community and District Support for Immigrant Families (one-pager)- School District of Philadelphia, January 2025
• Supporting Multilingual Learners: Guidance for SDP Partner Programs, The School District of Philadelphia, September 2024
• Lost in transition: Fixing the “learn-to-earn” skills gap, Pearson, January 2025
• Tending Tomorrow’s Soil: Investing in Learning Ecosystems, Gregg Behr, Federation of American Scientist, February 12, 2025
• Free Speech and Inclusion on Campus: A Guide for Discussion Organizes and Facilitators, IDHE and AAC&U, 2024
• Race and Sociocultural Inclusion in Science Communication: Innovation, Decolonisation, and Transformation, Elizabeth Rasekoala, Bristol University Press, January 2025