MONTHLY NEWSLETTER / MAY 2026 | |
Table of Contents
From the Director
STEM Highlight of the Month
News from the McKinney Center
Events, Workshops & Webinars
Opportunities & Resources for Students & Families
Opportunities & Resources for Teachers & Educators
Volunteer Opportunities
Grants, Funding, & Scholarships
Career Opportunities
Articles and Publications
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All I can say is "Wow"! The response to Remake Learning Days has been exceptional. In our first year hosting this citywide celebration of learning, more than 50 organizations have signed up to offer over 170 events across the city. Thank you to all of our hosts for helping make this possible. We welcome everyone to come out and join the fun. More information can be found below.
Speaking go fun - don't forget to mark your calendars and join us at our all-member meeting on May 21, 2026 (see below for more information). I'm excited to share the outcomes from our Compass Pro Bono project and to outline next steps!
David S. Garbe, PhD (he/him)
Director, McKinney Center for STEM Education
| | STEM Highlight of the Month | |
Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem and Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective
May 21, 2026
The past year brought meaningful progress across the McKinney Center for STEM Education, the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem and the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective. Earlier this spring, we invited your input through our Compass Pro Bono project and have incorporated that feedback into our ongoing work. We hope you can join us to review key initiatives, share updates, and discuss how we are shaping the path forward together. Time will also be reserved for networking over light refreshments and building new connections.
This event will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Please register in advance HERE so that we can plan accordingly. If you have any questions, contact Betsy Payne. We are looking forward to getting together!
| | News from the McKinney Center | |
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It is time to celebrate!!! Remake Learning Days (RLD) in Philly has officially opened with events taking place from May 1 to June 6. You won't want to miss the array of over 150 FREE activities, from "Raised by Philly: Youth Storytelling Quilt + Spoken Word Showcase" to "Ms. Zenobia’s Chemical Reactions" to "The Science of Soccer". Come out and see what this city has to offer!
For more information, contact Eli Epperson, Philadelphia Region Remake Learning Days Event Coordinator. Click HERE to see a list of events and citywide map organized by neighborhood and dates.
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Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective
& CPHI Americas
CPHI Americas’ trade show and conference is the leading pharmaceutical industry event in the region, and it’s coming back to Philadelphia in June 2 - 4, 2026. If you are new to the pharma industry, you can register as an Emerging Professional for just $29! More information can be found HERE.
CPHI Americas has selected PSEC as their non-profit partner for a second year in a row. This gives us a great opportunity to showcase our efforts and build relationships with pharma and biotech employers. To support our presence at the event we are looking for PSEC members that are willing to volunteer at our table and showcase our Collective. If you are interested and available, we invite you to select a date and time via SignUp Genius.
For more information about this opportunity, contact PSEC's Executive Director Diana Lievano.
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Eisenhower Fellow visits the
McKinney Center for STEM Educaiton
The McKinney Center was invited once again this year to host an Eisenhower Fellow at PEF. This Fellowship exists to inspire leaders around the world to challenge themselves, to envision how they can effect positive change, to engage others beyond their existing networks and to collaborate with other like-minded leaders across national borders and regions to better the world around them.
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In April, the McKinney Center hosted Komal Dadlani, an International Fellow from Chile and CEO and Co-founder of Lab4U (pictured with Betsy Payne and David Garbe). Lab4U is an edtech company that transforms smartphones and tablets into hands-on science labs. Before beginning a highly customized U.S. itinerary, typically spanning six to eight cities with multiple daily meetings with corporate leaders, government officials, nonprofit professionals, and other experts, each Fellow participates in an Opening Seminar in Philadelphia. We were her first meeting in the United States!
A biochemist by training, Komal has won global awards for democratizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and frequently speaks on equity in science and technology. As part of her fellowship, she is designing cross-border STEM-to-career pathways that connect underserved youth in Latin America and the United States to real workforce opportunities through AI-powered mobile labs. Dadlani has been recognized by Forbes, Bloomberg and the World Economic Forum as one of the most influential innovators in Latin America.
| | Events, Workshops & Webinar | | |
2026 PRISE STEM Educator Convening - Think Globally, Act Locally: Connecting STEM to Real World Issues
Join the Philadelphia Regional Institute for STEM Educators (PRISE) professional development and networking event. The convening is an opportunity for prospective, novice, and veteran STEM educators to lead and participate in engaging sessions that highlight effective STEM teaching and learning. High school and college students interested in STEM education are invited to attend. Teacher participants will receive Act 48 credit. May 2, 2026, 8:30am to 12:30pm at Saint Joseph’s University.
Zero Barriers in STEM Education Summit - Smithsonian Institute
This free, week-long (July 27-31, 2026) leadership development experience is designed for U.S.-based K-12 STEM educators, administrators, and education leaders who want to provide accessible and inclusive STEM programs and improve school culture for students with disabilities. Team and mentor applications are due on May 3, 2026.
Pint of Science Festival
Pint of Science Philadelphia is part of an international science communication festival that brings researchers into local bars and cafés for engaging, accessible talks with the public. The goal is to make science approachable and part of everyday conversation. Events are open to all and designed for a general audience, with no prior scientific background required. May 18, 19, and 20, 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
The Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) Advocacy Virtual Meeting Series
There is still time to join us in this series that combines economic insight with leadership storytelling to inspire collaboration, innovation, and advocacy across the Commonwealth. You won't want to miss the upcoming sessions:
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Advanced Manufacturing, May 20, 2026, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
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Robotics and Technology, June 18, 2026, from 8:00am to to 9:30am
For more information and to register for any of the sessions, go HERE.
2026 PHENND K-16 June Institute - The Warm Handoff: Successful Student Transitions to High School, College and the Work Force
Educators, counselors, college access professionals, and administrators should join us to share–and learn from– effective models for collaboration, data sharing, mentoring, and student engagement that bridge the gaps between schools, institutions and the work force. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen continuity, belonging, and success during critical transition points. June 2, 2026 at the Community College of Philadelphia.
CPHI Americas 2026
Do you want to connect with the leaders shaping pharma’s future – regulatory experts, CDMO innovators, and biologics pioneers – all in one hall. This is the event for you! Discover what’s next: From AI advancements to biologics breakthroughs, gain the insights that will define the next decade of pharma; and build the partnerships that drive progress – sourcing, innovation, or expansion, this is where deals happen. June 2–4, 2026 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
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Looking for more STEM related activities?
Search for a variety of STEM opportunities including family days, workshops, webinars, and more at PSEC’s Event Calendar Page.
| | Opportunities & Resources for Students and Families | | |
OPPORTUNITIES:
Youth & Adult Career & Opportunity Expo 2026 - The Urban League of Greater Philadelphia and the Philly Youth Basketball.
Join us for a free community career and resource expo designed to connect residents of all ages with the people, programs, and pathways that can move their lives forward. Whether you are actively job searching, exploring a career change, or simply trying to understand what options are available, you will find employers who are actively hiring, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, workforce training and education providers, and community resources — all under one roof and ready to engage. May 13 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Sixth Man Center.
Workshop U
Workshop U is free, 9-month program for 18 to 24 years old designed to help you figure out what you want to do next and then get access to it. Through a mix of coursework, paid internships, and one-on-one coaching, you build a clear plan for your future and gain the skills and support to take action on it. The program is part-time, runs from September through May, and takes place at West Chester University's Philly campus (8th & Market). You can earn up to 15 college credits and gain real-world experience, all while being part of a supportive community. Applications are now open.
Future Scientists: Biology Edition - Penn Arts and Sciences
New this year we are offering an on-campus summer program for middle school students. Students currently in 7th or 8th grade during the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible to apply for summer 2026. The program is designed to give students a taste of life in a molecular biology lab—all participants will explore the topics hands-on. Choose from two sessions: Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10, 2026 or Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14, 2026. Parents are required to complete the online application. We accept applications on a rolling basis until all seats are full; limited space is available.
Drexel University Digital Development Camp - VirtuaQuest
This specialized four-week in-person summer program led by College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) is for rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and accepted CCI first-year students. 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. Applications on a rolling basis until full capacity is reached.
2026 STEAM Summer Camp - Jr. STEM Academy
This immersive, hands-on experience designed for rising 6th through 8th grade students, blends science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a highly creative and collaborative environment. Throughout the camp, students will work together to bring a full production of The Wiz to life, both on stage and behind the scenes. June 20 to July 30, 2026 at the Community College of Philadelphia. Applications on a rolling basis until full capacity is reached.
| | Opportunities & Resources for Teachers & Educators | | |
OPPORTUNITIES:
Circuitry and Robotics with LEGO and Micro:bitworkshop - Brown Dog Gadgets
Join us for a free, two-week (June 15-26, 2006, Monday-Friday) virtual training through the Pathfinders Summer Institute, built for educators of grades 4-12. The free program covers all materials at no cost to you. You'll learn how to teach coding, electronics, and problem-solving through hands-on projects. Free Bit Board Rover and other materials are provided. No prior experience needed! Registration deadline is May 15th, 2026.
The Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching
Designed to recognize and promote hands-on math teaching in upper elementary and middle school classrooms, the Rosenthal Prize carries a cash award of $25,000 for the single best activity, plus up to five additional monetary awards for other innovative activities. The winning teacher(s) will have the opportunity to share their activities with educators around the world. Deadline to apply is May 15, 2026.
CySIA Training Workshops
Elmhurst University and Arcadia University are pleased to announce a series of NSF funded faculty development workshops introducing Cybersecurity (CYS) and Information Assurance (IA) for high school teachers. The workshops are targeted to faculty interested in teaching cybersecurity. Participants attend 5 days of in-person faculty development activities in either of the universities; there is a $400 attendance stipend. There are four different weeks in June and July, 2026 to choose from.
CodeJoy Pathfinders Summer Institute 2026
FREE PD & FREE Hardware (yes, really!) for US-based teachers and coaches in public schools, public charter schools, or public libraries. Five course choices in June and July: I HEART Robots, Coding Carnival, FarmBeats for Students, Playful AI, and Coding for Good. These are LIVE learning online with flexible scheduling to fit your summer. Limited spots available — register early! Applications on a rolling basis until full capacity is reached.
Teacher Professional Development - Longwood Gardens
This spring, join us for fun, inspiring, and educational experiences designed to help you bring back fresh new ideas to your classroom and enrich your students’ learning. Dig into the learning potential of container gardens (May 19, 2026), and learn about pollinator science (May 27) ... all while gathering valuable resources and lesson plan ideas. During these engaging experiences, learn how to implement PA Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards in your classroom, all while earning Act 48 hours.
2026 IoT4Ag Research Experience for Teachers
This intensive, immersive, four-week program for educators will provide training in phenomena-based science, using real-world science and engineering projects in the AgTech space. Participants will get a deep dive into the scientific method and process. The program dates are July 6 to August 3, 2026 at the University of Pennsylvania. Teachers able to commute daily, who are committed to attending the entire immersive program should apply. A $4,000 stipend is available based on completion of educational products by expected deadlines. Applications open until positions are filled using a rolling review.
Junior Solar Sprint 2026
The Junior Solar Sprint is a national program, recognized for its excellence in STEM education. We are counting on a Sunny Day to really show what the students’ model solar cars can do! Students from middle and high schools across our region will compete for prizes in Technical Merit, Artistic and Sustainability Merit and of course, Speed. It is free to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Robinson, lizhrob2@gmail.com. May 30, 2026 at Drexel University.
RESOURCES:
Discover the Microbes Within! The Wolbachia Project
Engage students in nature and real-world research while contributing new scientific data on the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. This free integrative lab series delivers real-world scientific research into middle, high school and college biology classes through inquiry, discovery, biotechnology, and a culture of excellence.
Elementary AI Explorations Collection - aiEDU Learning
This new Responsible AI Use collection helps students in grades 3–5 begin exploring an important question: How can we use AI in smart and responsible ways? Through hands-on 20-minute activities, students practice choosing when AI can be helpful, recognizing when people should make the final decision (not AI), and understanding the difference between using AI as a tool for learning versus letting it do the thinking for them.
STEM Learning Journeys for Afterschool - STEM Next
Looking for an easy way to bring engaging, hands-on STEM learning to your afterschool or summer program? STEM Next has a set of free STEM Learning Journeys specifically created for afterschool programs through our partnership with Verizon™ — which includes an opportunity to receive a stipend of up to $1,500 for your program’s participation.
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The Laura H. Carnell Elementary School to invite you to participate in our Cougar Career Day. The career day is on June 4, 2026 form 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Carnell School. We are welcoming professionals who would like to share their profession with our K–5 students (15–20 minutes). Please register HERE by May 28, 2026.
You can also support the students by bringing a vehicle or hands-on demo, sharing or donating materials, or inviting others to volunteer. For more information, contact School Counselor Ketsia Paul. Thank you for helping inspire our students!
| | Grants, Funding, & Scholarships | | |
PAsmart Grants
PAsmart is an initiative with the goal to expand inclusion in Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science teaching, learning and talent development, to help ensure students across Pennsylvania have the skills to meet the economic needs of the dynamic Pennsylvania economy. Grant submission due on May 8, 2026.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY) - NSF
This grant funds interdisciplinary teams - K-12 educators, technologists, researchers, and parents - to co-design AI-driven, technology-based solutions to real learning and workforce challenges identified by students and families themselves. Planning grants due on May 27, 2026.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation | Exemplary Pathways to STEM Graduate Education
Grants up to $500,000 will be awarded to U.S. higher education institutions and organizations working in partnership to advance access and opportunity in STEM graduate education. Letters of Inquiry deadline is June 1, 2026.
SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
We provide financial assistance, intensive case management, peer support, and leadership opportunities for students who have experienced homelessness to help you get to and through college, build your career, and create a strong foundation for your future. If you will be have experienced homelessness in the last six years, are starting college for the first time in the 2027–2028 academic year at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade school. It also includes, high school juniors, High school seniors planning to take a gap year, and students earning a GED who plan to start college in 2027–2028. Our program begins working with students one year before they start college to provide intensive college readiness support. Deadline to apply is June 2, 2026.
STEM Programs Grant - Glenn W. Bailey Foundation
We support STEM educational opportunities ranging in age from early-elementary through post-doctoral candidates and beyond to promote intense STEM learning and initiatives that seek to increase awareness and success in STEM careers in the United States. Applications are now open.
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Jr. STEM Academy Summer Camp Academic Mentor
We are excited to share a paid summer opportunity for high school seniors and college students. We are looking for Academic Mentors to support our STEAM Summer Camp instructors and help ensure students complete their daily tasks and stay engaged throughout the program. The employment dates for this position are June 24 through July 30 (Monday through Thursday), and the hourly rate is $15.00. Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to precollegestem@ccp.edu by May 15, 2026.
Play Captain Group Leader - Fab Youth Philly
Every summer, in Philadelphia, there are up to 400 streets designated as Playstreets that are run by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR). Playstreets are closed to traffic and open to neighborhood children where they can play together and receive a free snack and meal. Fab Youth Philly partners with PPR to provide children a more engaging and fun environment on Playstreets though our Play Captain Initiative. This summer we are hiring a number of Group Leaders who will be responsible for leading a team of up to seven teens called Play Captains.
Applications are due by May 17, 2026.
STEM Tutoring Coordinator - University of Pennsylvania
The STEM Tutoring Coordinator assists in the management, onboarding, and supervision of an extensive peer educator staff. The Coordinator possesses expertise in STEM education to assist in training and developing tutors hired to support STEM courses.
Senior Manager and Manager at STEM Summer and Auxiliary Programs - Lavner Education
Do you have strong experience in program management and possess excellent leadership skills? Do you want to join a team of year-round managers and directors who strive to create the best educational opportunities for kids? If so, apply today! Lavner Education is a global leader in STEM Education for kids and teens, blending cutting-edge technology, world-class instruction, and prestigious learning environments to prepare the next generation for success in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Education, Staff, and Intern Opportunities at Riverbend Environmental Education Center
Love the outdoors and working with kids? Join the Riverbend team and help create hands-on experiences that connect children with nature. We’re currently hiring for several roles, including: Multiple Summer Camp Counselor positions; Education & Events Assistant; Educators-in-Training; and Part-time paid Summer & Fall Internships in Habitat Management. If you’re excited about learning outside, getting a little muddy, and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Training Crew (Bilingual Spanish/English), Read by 4th
Read by 4th is the Free Library of Philadelphia’s early literacy initiative. One component of our efforts to address the literacy crisis facing Philly and the nation is engaging with parents and guardians of early readers to get them the skills, resources, and information to champion their child’s literacy. Read by 4th is searching for a contracted bilingual Spanish/English facilitator to deliver the ‘Active Reading’, ‘Parent Workshop on Early Reading Skills (PWERS)’, and Pre-K workshops to Spanish-speaking parents.
Senior Director of STEM Education Initiatives - Science Center
The Senior Director of STEM Education Initiatives oversees the administration and management of the Science Center’s STEM education activities, with a focus on the Science Center’s current middle school and high school programs. The Senior Director is responsible for drafting and executing the strategy for the Science Center’s STEM education initiatives, integrating insights from other programs and activities to ensure the students we serve are exposed to and prepared for future career opportunities. The Senior Director guides the evaluation strategy to ensure appropriate outcomes are tracked and inform future programmatic efforts.
Farmer/Educator, Deaver Wellness Farm at Lankenau Medical Center - Greener Partners
This is a part-time position primarily based at the Deaver Wellness Farm located at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA. The Farmer/Educator is responsible for assisting the Farmer Manager with the agricultural and educational components of the Farm. Work hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-2pm.
Program Coordinator, Spark Middle Grades Initiative - Philadelphia Education Fund
This position will be working with out newest program - Spark Philadelphia - and is responsible for leading student recruitment, enrollment and retention in their assigned school; student programming in school & field trips; and build Spark culture within the school. This is an entry level grant funded position guaranteed for one year with renewal subject to future funding. The position is hybrid with two days in the Philadelphia Education Fund’s offices.
Education Policy Associate - Children First
We are seeking an outgoing individual to join the policy team to provide operational support for its advocacy, policy, programmatic and digital engagement initiatives. The Education Policy Associate will work closely with the K-12 and ECE Policy Directors, and Suburban Field Senior Manager to grow the base of stakeholders throughout the region and support the work of education funding initiatives, and parent and youth-centered advocacy programming.
Health Care Career Pathways Teacher - Mastery Charter
We seek dynamic educators to teach the foundational Introduction to Health Care Careers I & II courses for 9th grade and 10th-grade students. This role is pivotal in building students’ understanding of healthcare careers and cultivating technical, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills essential for success. Other opportunities available.
Impact Manager - City Year Philadelphia
This position is responsible for the overall management of the execution of the day-to-day operations and achievement for teams of 6-9 or 12-18 Student Success Coaches (also known as SSCs) and service outcomes. The IM manages the work of SSCs with the shared goals of keeping students on track to graduate and establishing positive relationships with school partners.
Youth Program Manager - Trellis for Tomorrow
We are seeking an experienced Youth Program Manager to lead, coordinate, and help deliver Trellis’ youth development programs, including SEED Skills, GROW Careers, and the Trellis Alumni Project. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed professional who is ready to invest multiple years in growing and refining Trellis for Tomorrow’s youth programs. We’re seeking someone who values long-term relationship building, sustained impact, and the ongoing evolution of our programs.
Computer Coding Instructor (part-time) - West Park Cultural Center
West Park Cultural Center is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and experienced Coding Instructor to join our Saturday danceLogic® program for the upcoming school year, starting on October 4th. The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching coding to young people and possess the ability to inspire and engage young girls to learn and apply their knowledge of coding. This position is part of a team of two coding instructors teaching the class on Saturdays from 11:30am to 12:45pm.
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In Memory of Donald McKinney
Donald McKinney was a beloved chemistry teacher who launched and administered the PEF’s Math and Science Coalition from 2009 to 2016. When Don passed away in January of 2016, he left behind a legacy of quality science education and hundreds of devoted students and colleagues.
In recognition of his commitment to and passion for STEM Education, PEF established the Donald McKinney Center for STEM Education.
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