STEM Forward hosted its 23rd annual sySTEMnow Conference with the theme Let’s Go! Discovering the Joy in STEM. The event took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee and featured dynamic conversations across education, industry, and community!
check out the 2026 sySTEMnow Event photos!
We were excited to welcome speaker Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, an educator, designer, engineer, and writer. She inspired us to rediscover and amplify joy, creativity, and possibility at every stage of a STEM journey. This powerful day of connection, learning, and momentum motivated us to keep exploring how STEM experiences can spark imagination, strengthen collaboration, and excite lifelong learners about what’s next.
We also welcomed Dr. Michelle Thaller, an astronomer, astrophysicist, research scientist, educator, and STEM advocate. As NASA’s former Assistant Director of Science, she is one of the agency’s most recognized science communicators. View Dr. Thallers presentation below.
thank you 2026 systemnow sponsors
Join us in 2027 as a sySTEMnow Conference sponsor and help advance STEM education while gaining visibility across sectors. Updated sponsorship levels will be shared at a later date.
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 are celebrated at the sySTEMnow Conference.
Nominations for The Stemmys are currently closed.
Nomination Deadline: 2027 TBD
Do you know an individual, educator, employer, school, or partnership making an extraordinary impact on STEM education in Wisconsin? Recognize their contributions by nominating them for the 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 significantly promoted STEM awareness and improved 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 must wait two years before being nominated again.
congratulations to the 2026 Stemmy award winners!
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 students' creativity, curiosity, and accomplishments 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 annual Generation STEM Showcase.
Event Details
Date: 2027 TBD
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 the specified date. We will review all applications and notify selected participants. To create a diverse and engaging showcase, we strive to balance 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!
