CREATE STEM Learning Network

On February 20, 2026, the CREATE Technology and Innovation Center in Oxford, Alabama, hosted the Region 2 Invention Convention, powered by iSTEM Alabama and supported by the CREATE STEM Learning Network. Students from across the region gathered to showcase their creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking through innovative prototypes.

Participants from CE Hanna Elementary School, Munford Middle School, and Pleasant Grove Elementary School, engaged in a hands-on experience rooted in the engineering design process. Students identified real-world problems, developed solutions, built working prototypes, and delivered “Shark Tank”-style pitches to a panel of judges.

The event highlighted not only student ingenuity but also the strong partnership between education and industry, with local business and community leaders volunteering their time to serve as judges.

Special Awards

• Best Display Board: Willow Ponder – The Bug Butler

• Best Prototype: Trinity Brown & Rylan Truss – Medication Mover

• Best Pitch: Brayden Gidley & Mason McCormick – Trash Panda Express

5th–6th Grade Winners

• 3rd Place: Finleigh Vinson – The Finleigh Folder

• 2nd Place: Holland Love & Madalynn McCune – The Gum Picker Upper

• 1st Place: Isla McRae – Plant-A-Bear

7th–8th Grade Winners

• 3rd Place: Jeymi Bartolon-Diaz & Phyaith Cunningham – Solea the Robot

• 2nd Place: Charleigh Gallegoy & Raelyn Price – Easy Works!

• 1st Place: Eli McBee – The Fruit Cup Opener

The top three winners in each age group will advance to the state competition in Auburn on April 18, 2026. CREATE is proud to host this inspiring event that empowers students to think critically, innovate boldly, and apply STEM skills in meaningful ways. Congratulations to all of our young inventors!

Students from across east central Alabama recently demonstrated their creativity and technology skills at the 2025 ACTE Region 4 Technology Fair, hosted through the Alabama Consortium for Technology in Education. Representing Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega counties, students from public, private, and home schools participated in this year’s hybrid event.

The competition combined both virtual and in-person components, allowing students to showcase their work in dynamic ways. Prior to the event, students submitted pre-recorded presentations and digital portfolios for judging, highlighting projects that integrated technology, creativity, and problem-solving.

The in-person experience took place at Jacksonville State University, where students gathered at the Leone Cole Auditorium for a day of hands-on engagement. Participants completed a technology skills test, demonstrated robotics projects, and celebrated their achievements during the awards ceremony.

In addition to the competition, students enjoyed time on campus—including the opportunity to eat at the JSU cafeteria, adding to the full college experience.

Top two winners from each regional category will advance to the ACTE State Technology Fair, taking place March 26–28, 2026, at the University of Montevallo.

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama is inviting 5th and 6th grade students school students to take part in an exciting academic challenge focused on the greatest American STEM innovations of the past 250 years.

Open to 5th and 6th grade students across the region, this opportunity encourages students to explore history through a STEM lens—researching impactful innovations, thinking critically about their significance, and defending their ideas with strong reasoning.

This is a great way for students to build skills in research, writing, and analysis while connecting STEM to real-world impact. Winners will be recognized and celebrated at a regional event this summer.

Ready to bring real-world STEM learning into your classroom? The SparkSTEM Discovery Lesson Development Labs offer educators unique opportunity this summer to connect with industry, design meaningful, classroom-ready lessons, and make a lasting impact on student learning. Participants will engage in immersive lab experiences, develop two ready-to-use lessons, and earn professional development credit and compensation.

Applications are open now through April 17, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to innovate, collaborate, and lead in STEM education—apply today!

Get ready for SparkSTEM, an exciting one-day experience designed to ignite curiosity and connect students to real-world STEM opportunities.

📍 June 11 – Centre

📍 July 16 – Oxford
📍 July 21 – Randolph County

At SparkSTEM, your students will:
🔬 Discover how STEM connects to their classes and future careers
⚙️ Engage with industry professionals and explore workforce skills
🚀 Participate in hands-on, interactive activities
🏭 Learn about local industries and career paths in their own community

Stay tuned for registration details and how your school can take part in this powerful day of exploration and learning!

Registration is now open for upcoming AcaSTEMics STEM Events in partnership with McWane! These engaging, hands-on experiences are designed to spark curiosity and deepen student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Join us for the next event on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the City Meeting Center. This is a great opportunity for students to explore STEM concepts through interactive activities and real-world applications.

Additional events will be offered throughout the year—be sure to stay tuned for more dates and opportunities to get involved!

Check out this opportunity at Camp Lee on April 17, 2026 for Engineering Nature—a hands-on, outdoor PD experience exploring STEM, coding, drones, robotics, and environmental science.

Hosted by ATIM and JSU, this free, TEAMS-approved workshop (PSPL: 551687) offers 6 hours of credit and includes lunch. Educators will engage in real-world problem-solving through activities like drone pollination, water quality testing, bug hikes, and coding challenges connected to science and nature.

📍 Location: Camp Lee, Anniston, AL
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (check-in at 7:30)
💻 Bring a device for hands-on activities

We want to hear from you! If your school or business has exciting STEM experiences or partnerships between industry and the community, we’d love to feature them in our next issue. Please take a moment to share your story by scanning the QR code or clicking the link to fill out our quick form. Your contribution helps us highlight innovative learning opportunities and inspire others across our community. We look forward to learning about the amazing work happening in STEM near you!