sySTEMnow 2025 Recap
December 2025
By Theresa Wolf
At sySTEMnow 2025, we came together with educators, industry leaders, and STEM champions who share a common purpose: to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and grow STEM interest into lifelong careers. This year’s conference theme, Ignite the Spark: Growing STEM from Curiosity to Career, was felt throughout the day, from meaningful conversations to hands-on experiences that challenged how we think about STEM education and access.
Beyond the keynote stage, the day was energized by thought-provoking breakout sessions that sparked fresh ideas and honest dialogue. Attendees shared takeaways like “New ideas for how to improve our STEM outreach program and new potential partners,” underscoring the value of collaboration and cross-sector learning. We were also inspired by Generation STEM student displays, where young innovators showcased creativity, problem-solving, and confidence, bringing the future of STEM to life right before our eyes.
A recurring theme across sessions was the growing role of artificial intelligence and the responsibility that comes with it. Conversations pushed beyond technical skills to explore ethics and equity, encouraging us to view AI “thinking through AI in the lens of who ‘holds the power.’” This perspective reminded us that how we teach, design, and deploy technology today directly shapes who benefits tomorrow and why ethical, inclusive STEM education is more important than ever.
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Keynote Spotlight: Tara Chklovski – Igniting STEM Identity Through Real-World Impact
Tara Chklovski, a leader in aerospace and AI education, opened sySTEMnow 2025 by sharing her journey from curiosity to purpose and impact. Drawing from programs like Technovation and AI in Action, she highlighted how student-driven projects grounded in real community problems help young people see themselves as innovators.
She reinforced that while early exposure is essential, mentorship, reflection, and meaningful challenges are what sustain the spark over time. The long-term outcomes of these approaches are powerful, with many participants going on to pursue STEM degrees and careers.
Key Takeaways:
Hands-on, real-world learning builds lasting STEM identity
Mentorship and support turn curiosity into confidence
Ethical, collaborative AI education prepares students for emerging careers
Keynote Spotlight: Dr. Nehemiah Mabry – Fueling the Spark Through Experience
Dr. Nehemiah Mabry brought energy, insight, and heart to the sySTEMnow stage, reminding us that inspiration in STEM creates ripple effects. Sharing his path from NASA to engineering education, he emphasized immersive, playful, and contextual learning as key drivers of student engagement.
Through examples such as engineering escape rooms, hands-on experiments, and STEM-based games, Dr. Nee demonstrated how active building and collaboration can transform abstract concepts into real pathways. His message reinforced that every mentor, educator, and supporter plays a consequential role in shaping the future STEM workforce.
Key Takeaways:
Immersive, hands-on learning fuels curiosity and skill-building
Mentorship benefits both students and educators
Small actions can have a lasting impact across the STEM pipeline
From Spark to Pathway
sySTEMnow 2025 reaffirmed for us that the journey from curiosity to career begins with a spark, but it takes a community to keep it burning. When we combine hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world relevance, we create pathways that allow today’s curiosity to grow into tomorrow’s innovation. See for yourself by viewing the event photos.
Save the Date
We invite you to continue this work with us at sySTEMnow 2026 on October 28, 2026. Join us as we keep igniting the spark and growing the future of STEM together. If you are interested in supporting this inspiring event next year, reach out to me for more information. Have an idea for a breakout proposal? Fill out this form to be considered.
Posted December 2025 by Maureen Haeger, Marketing Communications & Program Manager, STEM Forward.
