Spring 2026 STEM UPDATES & SUPPORT

Western PA Student Centered Learning Conference

When we put students at the center of the learning, real change happens. Join us at IUP on June 17, 2026 for a day of learning at the Western PA Student Centered Learning Summit. Details for lodging and the conference program will follow in the new year.

Date: June 17, 2026

Location: Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Event Registration: bit.ly/WPASCL2026

Want to present? Click here.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

The Learning Landscape, the 2026 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Education Summit, will take place on June 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Grove City College. This regional summit will bring together educators and environmental professionals for a high-energy day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration focused on environmental literacy and sustainability education. Participants will explore ideas, resources, and partnerships that empower teachers to engage students and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Date: June 11, 2026

Location: Grove City College

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Event Registration: bit.ly/WPASummitReg

Want to present? Click here.

Remake Learning Days returns May 1–23, 2026, and we’re looking for schools and community partners in Armstrong and Indiana Counties to host hands-on, family-friendly learning events. Events can highlight STEM, arts, making, outdoor learning, career exploration, or student voice—and can be as simple as showcasing work you’re already doing. Events are free or low-cost, flexible in format, and mini-grants of up to $500 are available to support supplies. Learn more and register as an event host at remakelearningdays.org/event-hosts (select Northwestern PA as your region).

When you're ready to register your event, click the links below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://remakelearningdays.org/event-hosts/

IUP STEAMSHOP has several summer tech programs for regional middle and high school students. We would appreciate it if you would forward these opportunities with anyone who might be interested. Feel free to post on social media too.

IUP's STEAMCAMP runs June 15-19 and students get to design and build their own mobile robot as well as work with drones and safety science equipment like exoskeletons and virtual reality (for those completing 8-11 grade). The fee for this 5-day camp is $150. Sign up at: www.tinyurl.com/steamcamp26

The IUP Summer Honors Program offers 3 college credits and includes a residential experience in the dorms from July 13–17. While the standard cost is $675, grant funding has reduced the cost to just $200 per student. The program is open to students completing grades 9–11. More info at: www.iup.edu/summerhonors

Question? Contact Dr. Rick Adkins: fadkins@iup.edu

CodeJoy is back with the Infosys Foundation USA’s Summer Pathfinders Online Institute — and this year, we have FIVE incredible courses to offer!

That's right — five unique opportunities for public school educators to get FREE professional development AND free hardware shipped right to your door. Whether you're brand new to coding or a seasoned tech teacher, there's something for you this summer.

Why Pathfinders Summer Institute?

• FREE PD & FREE Hardware (yes, really!) for US-based teachers and coaches in public schools, public charter schools, or public libraries

• 5 course choices from CodeJoy

• LIVE learning online with flexible scheduling to fit your summer

• Limited spots available — register early!

The Courses

• I HEART ROBOTS: Soul-Centered PBL with the Hummingbird (Grades 3-12 | June 9-25)

• Coding Carnival: Projects and Games for micro:bit Makers (Grades 2-12 | June 16-25)

• FarmBeats for Students: Classroom Agriculture with micro:bit (Grades 6-12 | July 7-23)

• Playful AI: Bringing Curiosity, Creativity, and Care to Classroom Projects (Grades K-12 | July 7-16)

• Coding for Good: Real-World CS & AI Projects for Every Classroom (Grades K-12 | July 21-30)

Note: Participants may only enroll in one course for free, but may pay $750 for any additional courses.

REGISTER TODAY!

ARIN IU28 and WIU7 have teamed up with Fluxspace to offer special pricing on Flex Farm Hydroponics Units.

These units can produce 25+ lbs every 28 days, have a small footprint, and are a great way to incorporate many of the EL&S standards.

Click the flyer below for more information and contact Erin Whitaker, Education Innovation Specialist, erin@fluxspace.io, for more information.

https://superhumanbodyfilm.com/pa/

Calling All K-5 Teachers in NJ, PA, and WV! Become a STEM Pioneer!
Are you passionate about shaping the future of STEM education? Join our National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program and lead the charge in enhancing elementary STEM learning across the Mid-Atlantic!

Why Apply?

• $12,000 Annual Stipend (paid in three installments)
• Extensive Professional Development in STEM curriculum and leadership
• Membership in a Community of Practice focused on K-5 STEM education
• Paid Travel to summer professional development sessions
• Materials Provided for implementing the STEM curriculum in your classroom
• Networking Opportunities with award-winning teachers and STEM professionals
• Paid Membership to state science teachers’ associations and NSTA
• Support for Hosting Workshops to share knowledge with other educators
• Limited spots available! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to empower yourself and your students in STEM education.
• Application Deadline: February 16, 2026.

Questions? Contact Jeff Remington <jeff_remington@psu.edu>

The PSEL Minecraft Build Challenge is now live for K‑12 students across Pennsylvania!

This exciting competition invites teams of 2-5 students to design creative builds in Minecraft that highlight innovation and sustainability while connecting to Pennsylvania’s future.

All important details — including eligibility, code of conduct, key dates, submission instructions, and challenge guidelines — are available in the Team Guide here. We encourage you to review the guide and register your teams to participate in this free, asynchronous challenge.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in STEM learning, practice collaboration, and represent their schools and communities in a fun, meaningful way.

For any questions, please contact esports@cciu.org.

We look forward to seeing teams from across the state bring their ideas to life in Minecraft!

We want to invite you to bring students to our 2nd Annual Luke Trotz College and Career tournament at St. Francis University on April 1st.

The event is completely free for schools to attend, and lunch will be provided thanks to Saint Francis.

Attached you'll find the flyer for the event which contains links to register for the event AND the tournament.

Registration for the game (linked) portion of the tournament closes on February 5th.

Registration to attend the event (linked) itself closes on March 11th.

A premier 5-week STEM residency for rising high school seniors

Spend your summer at Carnegie Mellon University, diving deep into biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics through hands-on labs, lectures, and research alongside university professors and industry experts.

💡 Program Highlights

• Admittance based on merit — at least one qualified student from each IU accepted

• Students from underrepresented minority communities are encouraged to apply

• Program expenses are fully funded (housing, meals, and tuition)

• Students live and study on the beautiful Carnegie Mellon University campus

🏫 Academic & Social Experience
Students participate in team research projects, present their findings at a scientific symposium, and enjoy memorable social events such as the No-Talent Show and a Pirates vs. Phillies game.

📅 Application Deadline: February 1
🔗 Apply Here

If your school is new to ESports or looking to change leagues, please consider PSEL - Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League.

The Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League (PSEL) is an organization led by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). It was founded through a collaborative vision with the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) to ensure that all learners have access to opportunities within scholastic esports.

This league is organized into 8 regions across Pennsylvania. Each region will be led by a dedicated Regional Lead who will:

• Provide technical assistance to schools and programs
• Host scholastic esports events tailored to their region
• Organize networking meetings to build local connections
• Serve as a go-to resource for all things PSEL in their area

Your regional lead is: Sarah Cox, Appalachia Intermediate Unit, scox@tiu11.org

To join this league, and for more information, please visit: pselesports.org

We’re excited to share three programs designed to help support you in your drone journey:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Professional Learning Pathway – Self-paced, virtual learning with expert guidance to help you earn your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. (Cohort 1 registration open now through Sept. 8, 2025)

• Drone Educators Network Group – An in-person professional learning community where educators at all stages of their drone journey connect, share strategies, and exchange resources. (Sept. 25, 2025 • Jan. 28, 2026 • May 26, 2026)

• Build, Fly, Code, Compete Program – A hands-on, in-person series with curriculum resources and student competitions, suitable for beginners through experienced educators. (Oct. 7, 2025 • Jan. 6, 2026 • Mar. 26, 2026) Learn More

Whether you’re seeking certification, curriculum, or collaboration, these offerings will help you bring drones to life in your classroom.

Fully-Funded PK–12 Engineering byDesign (EbD) Curricular Resource

To support the implementation of the STEELS Technology & Engineering standards, Pennsylvania educators are being offered free access to the ITEEA Engineering byDesign (EbD) Essential Learning Edition, valued at up to $3,400 per year. This STEELS Technology & Engineering standards-aligned, project-based resource offers a comprehensive PK–12 program grounded in authentic problem-solving requiring critical thinking.

How to Request Access – Quick Steps

1. Log in to your ITEEA account (or create a free one if you don’t have one yet)

2. Complete the EbD Essential Learning Edition Access Form by clicking HERE

3. Upon approval, you'll receive confirmation and gain access via Google Drive

4. Explore the full curriculum and start integrating EbD into your classroom!

Participation in the ARIN Lending Library offers you access to over 100 STEM tools. Sign up for an account, search our inventory, request materials, and have them delivered to your school. Our library includes robotics kits for all ages, drones, virtual field trip kits, and more! Click here for more information.

Please note, districts are charged a participation fee of $175/year to help offset the cost of suppliies and replacements for the Lending Library.

📣 Check out the link below for information on Assistive Technology services provided by ARIN.

ARIN supports the implementation of the Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (PA STEELS Standards) by providing assistance for building curriculum, instruction, and assessment capacity.

Please click here for details on 25-26 trainings and supports for the STEELS Standards.

These sessions are appropriate for any teacher, K-12 who will address the Technology & Engineering standards from STEELS. If you are a STEM teacher or any teacher interested in addressing the T&E standards, this network is for you!

STEM Networking sessions are free and will be in collaboration with Westmoreland County IU7. Click here to register.

25-26 Dates:

September 26, 2025

November 10, 2025

February 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

ARIN supports the development and implementation of local, regional, and state STEM and Computer Science related competitions. Look for the following competitions for the upcoming school year.

The Keystone Competition 🚨NEW FOR 25-26🚨

This exciting, single-day event invites students in three grade bands; 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12, to collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve in a dynamic, hands-on environment styled after a hack-a-thon. The current plans for this event will take place at participating IUs and will launch synchronously on October 14, 2025. We see this as an exciting opportunity to engage students, advisors, and our STEM Ecosystem partners around designing solutions to real-world challenges while preparing them to further participate in a host of other STEM and design competitions throughout the year.

PA Invention Convention -

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - December 16, 2025
• State Competition - February 2026, PETE&C

STEM Design Challenge -

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - March 10, 2026
• State Competition - Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Friday, May 9, 2025

Media and Design Competition (MadCom)

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition (Virtual) - submission deadline - April 1, 2026
• State Competition - TBA (May 2026)

24 Math Challenge

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - May 7, 2026

ARIN supports the growth and implementation of K-12 Computer Science Education, Artificial Intelligence Professional Learning, and Computational Thinking.

Computer Science

CS4ALL SCRIPT Workshops - CS alignment for districts

CSinPA Newsletters

Artificial Intelligence

ARIN IU 28 is helping educators lead the way in understanding and integrating AI. Through hands-on AI for Educators workshops delivered at districts and the IU, we’ve supported teachers and administrators in exploring both the use of AI and how to teach about it. We continue to build our own capacity and embed AI discussions across all of our professional networks—offering ongoing, in-district and IU-based support to help schools stay ahead of the curve.

CS Standards & STEELS Standards Crosswalks

The CS Standards & STEELS Standards Crosswalks created by PaTTAN is now hosted in two filterable databases, allowing you to filter by STEELS discipline, CS concepts, and grade levels.

The database now also incorporates the Science (3.1-3.3) STEELS standards crosswalks.

Click the crosswalks to learn more about the updates and how to integrate STEELS and CS standards into your instruction.