GOT STEM?

Monthly Newsletter - May 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

• USTRIVE STEM Educator Conference 2025 - Join our USTRIVE team for our free conference to learn more about connecting STEM with Social and Environmental Issues. Participants will engage in hands on USTRIVE teacher-led STEM workshops and connect with fellow educators! May 3, 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Arcadia University.
• The AI Revolution: Innovation, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance - This event brings together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how AI is being developed and deployed worldwide, the ethical considerations shaping its future, and the diverse regulatory approaches governments are taking. May 7, 2025 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
• Math EdTech Webinar - Interested in connecting with fellow STEM educators, sharing ideas on improving learning outcomes both within and outside classrooms, and learning more about co-design from STEM and UX/LX experts? Join the RightOn Education's team to our free webinar regarding math edtech co-design: • Learn about best practices in EdTech user experience (UX),• Take part in an interactive co-design activity,• Apply results to current practices within traditional classrooms and after-school/OST programs. May 7, 2025 from 4:00 to 5:00pm.
• Project Planning Pyramid Framework Webinar - Knowles Teacher Initiative - Project-based learning (PBL) can be utilized to engage students, but most importantly should be a powerful lever to provide rigorous mathematical and scientific experiences for students. Come learn with us about this tool developed to strengthen the disciplinary content and practices present in projects, in order to help support all students in accessing rigorous math and science through your PBL courses. Walk away with key takeaways for your next project. May 8, 2025 from 7:30 to 9:00pm.
• Teaching in the Age of AI: Challenges and Opportunities - The PPSP Fellows is a team of high school and college educators interested in bridging the gaps between the secondary and postsecondary classrooms. Our annual Spring Institute is a professional development event informed by the work the Fellows engaged in throughout the school year. Participants will hear directly from students, participate in collaborative work between high school and college educators, and walk away with concrete tools and strategies to support student learning. May 9, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at PEF Offices.
• Summer Professional Learning Opportunities With TGR Foundation - STEM Studio -  Join us to learn about our STEM Studio - a series of no-cost, 12-hour collaborative workshops - hosted in-person at select locations, or virtually - that emphasizes authentic inquiry-based teaching and learning practices, STEM Studio is designed help in- and out-of-school educators deliver powerful, student-centered learning experiences that increase engagement and student outcomes. In these sessions we will share more about 2025 STEM Studio offerings - including benefits of participating - and ways for you to participate. May 13, 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
• Penn State Climate Solutions Symposium - will highlight innovations from numerous disciplines through dynamic breakout sessions, keynote talks from leaders in the climate solutions space, a poster session, and more. The event also features opportunities for attendees to network with like-minded individuals who are seeking climate solutions as collaborators, funders, or implementers in the themes of the Climate Consortium. May 19 & 20, 2025 at State College, PA.
• Learn Do-It-Yourself Electronics for Environmental Monitoring - EnviroDIY empowers researchers with innovative digital and electronic tools and training that enable cost-effective and customizable environmental measurements. This workshop is appropriate for beginners and those with intermediate experience programming data loggers and using environmental monitoring equipment. May 20, 8:30am to May 21, 5:00pm at Stroud Water Research Center.
• Purpose Driven Education - PHENND K-16 June Institute - This year’s Institute will feature F. Joseph Merlino and Deborah Pomeroy, authors of New Era, New Urgency: The Case for Repurposing Education (Lexington Books, 2024). Joe and Deborah will discuss their book, provide historical context for the various eras of public education. June 4, 2025 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at CCP.
• Accessible Programming with Quorum Summer PD Opportunity - Join us for a 4-day in-person professional development workshop focused on inclusive and accessible computer science programming using the Quorum language. This workshop offers hands-on experience with Quorum, a language designed for accessibility and ease of learning, along with best practices and resources to help you integrate accessible programming into your classroom. Eligible participants will also receive travel assistance, ACT 48 hours, and a $250 stipend. Spaces are limited to 20 participants. June 9-12, 2025 a t the PaTTAN Central Office in Harrisburg, PA.
• STEELS Summit: Igniting Innovation for K-12 Teaching & Learning - Join us for a one-day conference designed to help Pennsylvania educators learn about and prepare to implement the state's new Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. Engage in interactive sessions, gain practical strategies, and collaborate with fellow educators to bring these standards to life in your schools and classrooms. June 18, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at CCIU Boot Road in Downingtown, PA.
• 2025 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) - IoT4Ag - This intensive, immersive four-week program for Middle School educators will provide training in phenomena-based science, using real-world research in the Ag-Tech space. Participants will get a deep dive into the scientific method and process. They will see how the process is implemented and translated into usable technologies through engagement with students, researchers and staff based in the IoT4Ag Center. The topics are relevant to food, energy, water, and many STEM disciplines, and can be related to societal grand challenges. Program runs from July 7 to August 4, 2025 at University of Pennsylvania. Application are on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
• Nutrients for Life Virtual Professional Development - Soil: Life's Main Ingredient, Unlocking the Mystery of Fertilizer - This course is designed for teachers who wish to further their knowledge and understanding of the science behind healthy soil. Using the Nutrients for Life curriculum, educators will learn the scientific reasoning behind soil, nutrients and sustainable practices used to grow enough food to feed the growing world population. Educators participating in the professional development will be provided the necessary knowledge, free resources and experience to take back to their classrooms with ready to go hands on inquiry-based lesson plans. Course is from July 21-25, 2025. Registration ends on June 30, 2025.
• The Teach Climate Network Summer Institute - Are you looking for a community of educational professionals and mentors who can support your climate change knowledge and teaching strategies? The Summer Institute network is full of educators and climate change practitioners doing just that! Discover best practices, activities, lesson plans, and tools that will help you strengthen your climate curriculum and better support your learners. Whether you’re a formal classroom teacher or a non-formal educator, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your climate change education skills and connect with like-minded professionals. Plus, scholarships are available. Program runs July 14 to July 17, 2025.

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. 

• Philly Career Launch Career Exploration Workshops - Launch your career with support from the Free Library! Join us this spring for Career Exploration Workshops that help patrons find positions that fit their strengths and interests: These workshops are free and sessions will take place through May 2025 in various Philadelphia locations.
• Ready, Set...PITCH! - A Job Readiness Fair for Philly Youth - Are you in high school and looking for a job? Do you want to touch up your resume or need a new professional headshot? Maybe you'd like to learn how to make smart money moves or you have a business you want to pitch for a cash investment? Join us as we help Philly's youngest job seeker's and entrepreneurs as they prepare to successfully apply for jobs and internships. Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes, raffles and even participate in a Pitch Competition with a real cash prize! May 3, 2025 from 12:00 to 4:30pm at the School of the Future.
• FAFSA en Español - The School District of Philadelphia is hosting a final FAFSA completion pop-up event to support Spanish-speaking 12th-grade students and their families with financial aid completion. This event will be hosted at Kensington Health Sciences Academy, 2463 Emerald Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, on Wednesday, May 14th, 4:00-7:00pm. 
• 2025 Greater Philadelphia STEM Center (GPSC) Summer Camp at Temple University - This 4-week day camp provides activities, experiments, projects, and field experiences for students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the fall of 2025. Students attend the camp free of charge. The camp aims to increase awareness and interest in STEM careers, particularly in coding, engineering, and national security, and defense. This camp will encourage students to see themselves as college students and in scientific careers through college campus exposure and interactions with scientists and engineers. Application deadline is May 9,2025.
• Philly {Codefest}: High School Edition - Join us for a day of innovation, coding, and collaboration! Open to all high school students in the Philadelphia area, Codefest is designed to inspire young minds to create solutions to tackle real-world challenges. Throughout the day, Drexel CCI faculty, professional staff, and current CCI students will offer support through workshops, project ideation sessions, mentoring, and judging. May 10, 2025 from 9:00am to 6:00pm at Drexel's University College of Computing and Informatics.
•  EcoFair 2025 - Green Philly - Embark on an immersive journey into sustainability at the free EcoFair, Green Philly's second annual family-friendly event showcasing the region's eco-resources and initiatives driving positive change. Enjoy a day packed with eye-opening insights and actionable ideas with: Inspiring and educational programming featuring storytelling and workshops; Art activations by Walls for Justice; Sustainable Marketplace; and Discover how to take action and get involved with local nonprofits. May 17 2025 from 12:00 to 6:00pm at the Cherry Street Pier.
• 2025 STEM-UP Leadership Program at Temple University - This experience is a 6-week day program that provides activities, experiments, projects, and field experiences for students entering 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall of 2025. Students attend the program free of charge. STEM-UP aims to increase awareness and interest in STEM careers, particularly in coding, engineering, and national security, and defense. It also encourages students to see themselves as college students and in scientific careers through college campus exposure and interactions with faculty, scientists and engineers. Application deadline is May 23, 2025.
• Career Connected Learning PHL (C2L-PHL) - C2L-PH connects youth ages 12–24 with paid work-based learning experiences to set them up for career and economic success. Program activities include: Internships, Service learning projects, Career exploration and mentoring, Professional development, and Job shadowing.
• 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.  
• Water Experience Study - Water, Health, and Nutrition Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University - The purpose of this study is to better understand how the social and physical environment affects how people perceive the safety and trust of their water and how this affects different aspects of their life, like nutritional behaviors and health outcomes. We are especially interested in people who use private water sources like private wells and roadside springs or those who live in Philadelphia. 

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.

• Bio-Coding Club Educator Program - Broad Institute- This after-school program teaches students in grades 6-8 about both biology and computer coding. The free Bio-Coding Club curriculum combines engaging hands-on activities with coding challenges using the Scratch programming language. Educators are provided with all the tools needed to run successful student-driven coding projects related to biology, and to boost student interest in STEM by making science fun. $1000 stipend awarded to lead educator for one semester, Application deadline for sponsorship to start your own club chapter is May 5, 2025.
• CS Sparks: Igniting the Future of CS - Share your students' excitement for computer science. 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!
• Crash Science in the Classroom - IIHS - This free educational resources lets you conduct classroom-tested, hands-on activities aligned to the latest standards to bring crash safety STEM applications to grades 5-12. Teaching tips videos included.
• Digital Resources Library - TGR Foundation - Driven by our belief in the transformative power of education, we scaled, digitized and provided greater access to our award-winning STEM curricula and college-access programs in an effort to unleash their potential and prepare for their futures. Use these interactive resources, designed for students in grades 6–12, to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills with real-world applications in college access, STEM learning, language arts, and more.
• edWeb.net - A free professional learning and collaboration platform that makes it easy to collaborate, engage in peer-to-peer learning, and share innovative ideas and resources. Our edWebinars provide anytime learning with CE certificates for your PD hours!
• Nutrients for Life - Nutrients for Life curriculum includes STEM activities and lessons that show how the challenge to feed our world's growing population can be solved with science. Digital downloads are free for anyone to use. We charge a small shipping fee for printed materials.
• Code Joy Free Summer PD - A great opportunity for Public School Educators this summer. Infosys Foundation USA Summer Pathfinders FREE courses are open to apply and CodeJoy has 3 courses this year: AI Literacy and Ethics for Educators, Robot Petting Zoo: PBL with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, and Micro:bit in the Wild What is so great about Pathfinders Summer Institute? Free PD & Free Hardware and Flexible Scheduling
• Pennsylvania State Parks Educator E-Blast - Explore the many opportunities available through June 2025 in this edition of their newsletter. Explore the Educator Workshops and look through the available free materials and resources.
• Teaching Resources - World Wildlife Fund - Explore the available toolkits for teaching grades K-12. Tambien disponible en español.

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

• 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.
• The Large Research Grants on Education Program - Spencer Foundation - this grant supports education research projects that will contribute to the improvement of education, broadly conceived, with budgets ranging from $125,000 to $500,000 for projects ranging from one to five years. Deadline for Intent to Apply is May 14, 2025.

• Teacher/Counselor Hiring Event - School District of Philadelphia - Join us in person to meet with Principals. and to learn more about our open 25-26 SY Teacher and Counselor roles. May 7, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:30pm at the School for The Future.
• Scholars Advantage Instructors - Philadelphia Education Fund - We ae looking to hire two instructors for a Human Anatomy class and one for OSHA-10 training, both for a high school audience for our summer program that runs in July 2025. Deadline to apply is May 16, 2025.
• Community Partnership Coordinator VISTAs - PHENND -Take the next step in your career and join a cohort that works to strengthen communication, collaboration and community in local Philadelphia schools! PHENND seeks several full-time AmeriCorps VISTAs: 5-10 serve as Community Partnership Coordinators each at a different school in the city of Philadelphia; and 2 serve in the School District of Philadelphia main offices. If you have any questions, please contact Eden Kainer at ekainer87@phennd.org or Roslynn Blount at roslynnb@phennd.org Applications accepted on a rolling basis until June 15, 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.
• 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.​​

• Translanguaging: A Vital Tool for ELL Teachers, Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski, Middle Web, March 2025
• 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
• What are 21st Century Skills?, Brady Hummel, iCEV, March 14, 2024.
• 5 Strategies to Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, by Tina Cho, Edutopia, April 9, 2025