Quarter 1 of 2026 has been a whirlwind for the STEM 101 team. From high-energy fundraisers to deep dives into classroom curriculum, we’ve been on the move with one goal in mind: making hands-on STEM learning accessible for every student.
Here is a look back at where we’ve been and what we’ve learned along the way.
Standing with the Mr. October Foundation
We kicked off the year by attending a fundraiser for the Mr. October Foundation, an organization we’ve been proud to partner with since 2014. The energy was incredible—a community united by a shared purpose of expanding STEM access for underserved youth.
One of the most meaningful moments was standing alongside two inspiring teachers from Edna Brewer Middle School, one of the many schools supported through this initiative. It was a powerful reminder that these partnerships do more than provide materials. They help create learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and introduce students to future possibilities.
“By getting kits and resources into the hands of students, we aren’t just teaching science—we’re opening doors to future careers.”
Thank you to the Mr. October Foundation for its continued commitment to brighter futures and broader access to hands-on education.
Diving Deep into Curriculum at WTEA
It was an honor to be back at the Wisconsin Dells for another year at the Wisconsin Technology Education Association (WTEA) conference! Surrounded by the theme of 'Innovation in Action,' the STEM 101 team connected with tech ed teachers to discuss the future of the classroom.
While our kits draw the crowd, our conversations also centered on curriculum—specifically how our resources help teachers bridge the gap between technical skill building and real-world career readiness.
We are mission-driven to provide the tools that help teachers turn the classroom into a hub for innovation. It was a privilege to discuss how the curriculum blends into specific lesson plans to bring technical concepts to life!
First Steps at WSST
We were thrilled to join the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST) conference lineup for the first time! This debut gave us a front-row seat to the evolving needs of the science community, especially for the school years ahead.
We leaned into the chance for one-on-one conversations, where the STEM 101 team introduced our hands-on project kits and discussed how these kits, together with our curriculum resources, bridge the gap between textbook theory and career-connected learning.
Every conference is a chance to listen—not just to share our materials, but to better understand the educators we support and the students whose futures we’re helping to shape.
Looking Ahead
Whether it’s a crowded fundraiser or a quiet conversation at a booth, every interaction helps move STEM accessibility forward. These are the moments that shape partnerships, strengthen programs, and keep us grounded in the purpose behind the work.
Were you at WTEA or WSST? We’d love to keep the conversation going. If you missed us at the spring conferences or want to dive deeper into our curriculum resources, we’re only a message away.
👉 Reach out today to discuss how STEM 101 can support your specific learning goals.
