STEM Forward is thrilled to announce the theme for our 23rd annual sySTEMnow Conference: Lets Go! Discovering the Joy in STEM. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee and will feature dynamic conversations across education, industry, and community.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, who is an educator, designer, engineer, and writer. She will inspire us to rediscover and amplify joy, creativity, and possibility at every stage of a STEM journey. Join us for a powerful day of connecting, learning, and growing momentum as we explore how STEM experiences can spark imagination, strengthen collaboration, and excite lifelong learners for what’s next.
We invite you to be part of this inspiring day:
* Sponsor the event to support STEM education and gain visibility across sectors.
* Register to join us at this year’s conference on October 28.
Together, we can strengthen and expand the STEM talent pipeline by creating more engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Contact Rich Merkel at rmerkel@stemforward.org today to learn more!
THE STEMMY AWARDS
The Excellence in STEM Awards—the Stemmys were established in 2005 to recognize educational institutions, businesses, organizations, and individuals who promote STEM awareness and improve students' STEM competencies. The four award categories are Education, Individual, Employer, and Partnership. The award winners were celebrated at the sySTEMnow Conference.
Nominations Now Open
Nomination Deadline: September 30, 2026
Do you know an individual, educator, employer, school, or partnership making an extraordinary impact on STEM education in Wisconsin? Recognize their contributions by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Excellence in STEM Awards.
Please complete the nomination form with details about the nominee's achievements and impact. Your submission helps the awards committee evaluate each nominee's commitment to advancing STEM awareness and improving STEM learning opportunities for K–12 students.
Award Categories
Education Award
Recognizes an educational institution that demonstrates an innovative approach and exceptional commitment to promoting STEM awareness and improving STEM competency for K–12 students through its curriculum, programs, and activities. Any Wisconsin state-accredited educational institution, including public, private, charter, choice, PK–12 schools, technical colleges, colleges, and universities.
Employer Award
Honors an employer that champions STEM outreach and workforce development through innovation, employee volunteerism, educational partnerships, philanthropy, and programs that support K–12 STEM education in Wisconsin.
Individual Award
Recognizes an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, or hands-on efforts have made a significant impact on promoting STEM awareness and improving STEM competency for K–12 students. Nominees must live, work, or attend school in Wisconsin.
Partnership Award
Celebrates a collaboration between a business, government agency, association, foundation, or other organization and a school or community-based organization that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to STEM education and student success in Wisconsin.
Submit a Nomination
Help us recognize the individuals and organizations inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Previous winners are not eligible for nomination for the following two years. The deadline to submit an application is September 30, 2026.
Generation STEM Displays
Generation STEM (Gen STEM) is a featured part of STEM Forward's annual sySTEMnow Conference, showcasing innovative, K-12 student-led STEM projects from across Southeastern Wisconsin. This interactive exhibit celebrates the creativity, curiosity, and accomplishments of students while inspiring conference attendees through hands-on displays and demonstrations.
We invite schools, youth organizations, clubs, and community groups to apply to participate in the 2026 Generation STEM Showcase.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Set-Up: 9:00 a.m.
Showcase Hours: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Italian Community Center
How to Apply
Submit your organization or student project by September 30, 2026. All applications will be reviewed, and selected participants will be notified by October 9, 2026. To create a diverse and engaging showcase, we strive for a balance of project types, student age groups, and participating schools and organizations.
We look forward to highlighting the incredible STEM talent and innovation happening throughout our community!
