Idaho STEM Ecosystem

08/26/2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN — THE RIPPLE EFFECT!

Where one idea creates lasting impact.

Join us October 12–14 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for the inventEd Regional Summit & Idaho EcosySTEM Statewide Convening; a three-day, cross-sector experience designed to connect people, ideas, education, industry, and opportunity across Idaho.

💡 DISCOVER the world of invention education and how it connects STEM learning to workforce development.

💭 IMAGINE what invention education could look like in Idaho and help shape what comes next.

🤝 BUILD relationships and partnerships that continue long after the convening ends.

This gathering is for K–12 educators and administrators, industry leaders, higher education, out-of-school program professionals, early childhood educators, nonprofits, government and policy makers, Tribal Nations, and community partners.

✨ Registration is FREE, but space is limited!

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4hPUgYi

🚗✈️ Traveling to Coeur d’Alene? Ask us about travel reimbursement opportunities. We want to help make participation possible for teams and educators from across Idaho.

One idea can create a ripple. One connection can create an opportunity. And when we bring Idaho’s sectors together, those ripples can create lasting impact.



Registration Link:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Y2u8fpJXGUqyCwS4JgSIUw0GsPye_4lKs9X1ETByUe1UQkFYSUJOVzFTMEFOU0Y3WkE3WFFXNTEwMyQlQCN0PWcu

08/25/2026

📣 Get ready! Idaho Workforce Development Council + STEM announces; Education to Careers Grant applications open September 14, 2026!

Have you been thinking about a way to better connect STEM education, career exploration, and workforce opportunities in your community?
This could be the opportunity to bring that idea, and the right partners, together.

The Education to Careers Grant supports community-led partnerships that strengthen STEM learning, expand career connections, increase workforce readiness, and create measurable regional or statewide impact.

💡 Start the conversation now.
Think about your project. Identify the need. Reach out to potential education, industry, workforce, and community partners. Most importantly, think about the impact you want to create for Idaho learners.

Together, we can help students build STEM skills, discover career possibilities, and better understand the pathways available to their future education and employment.

📅 Applications open September 14, 2026.

Application details, eligibility information, and resources will be available soon. Follow the Idaho Workforce Development Council + STEM for updates and important grant deadlines.

08/24/2026

Plus is a valued supporter of the Idaho STEM Ecosystem ISEE STEM- Idaho South and East STEM Ecosystem. We grateful that together, we build stronger STEM communities across Southern Idaho. Workforce development is strongest when education, industry, government, and community come together around a shared vision. By connecting students and educators with employers, resources, and meaningful career pathways, we are helping prepare Idaho’s future workforce while strengthening the communities we serve.

Thursday, Sonya Black Haines had the opportunity to attend the Plus 2026 Third Quarter Meeting in Jerome. Led by Executive Director Rebecca Wildman, MBA, the meeting focused on state resources, federal policy, and the future of Southern Idaho’s workforce.

We heard valuable updates from Chet Jeppesen, South Central Manager for the Idaho Department of Labor, about resources available to employers and job seekers.

U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson also shared his passion for the federal TRIO programs, which help students from low-income families, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities access higher education, persist through college, and graduate. Through services such as tutoring, academic advising, financial guidance, and career planning, TRIO programs help remove barriers and create pathways to lasting success.

We also learned more about Southern Idaho Economic Development’s work to strengthen our regional economy and elevate Southern Idaho’s industries and products on both a national and international stage. Idaho Workforce Development

One of the best parts of gatherings like this is reconnecting with community partners I am fortunate to also call friends. These relationships are at the heart of meaningful collaboration—and they are how we continue bridging education to industry, strengthening career pathways, and creating opportunities throughout Region 4.

Thank you to Rebecca Wildman, Business Plus President Rudy Ashenbrener, the Business Plus Board of Directors, the presenters, sponsors Jerome 20/20 and Stratus Marketing, and everyone committed to moving Southern Idaho forward.

08/11/2026

Idaho educators and education leaders, check out this valuable AI learning series! Join one session or attend the entire series to explore academic integrity, responsible AI use, task design, grading, and feedback.

🤖 Idaho Educators and Education Leaders AI Learning Series!

Navigate the future of teaching and learning with The Idaho Department of Education, in partnership with The AI Education Project (aiEDU). Now offering an interactive webinar series focused on the safe, ethical, and effective use of artificial intelligence in education.

These sessions are open to all educators and education leaders and are designed for active participation and practical learning. Attend the entire series or select the individual sessions that interest you most.

📅 AI Learning Series Schedule

🔹 August 20, 2026 | 4:45–5:45 p.m. MT
Setting the Stage for Academic Integrity

🔹 October 15, 2026 | 4:45–5:45 p.m. MT
When Should AI Be Used for Learning?

🔹 February 18, 2027 | 4:45–5:45 p.m. MT
Redesigning Tasks for Academic Integrity

🔹 April 8, 2027 | 4:45–5:45 p.m. MT
Grading and Feedback with AI

💻 Online via Zoom

Whether you are beginning to explore AI or already incorporating it into your work, this series will help you make thoughtful and informed decisions about its role in education.

👉 Register for one or more sessions:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/C3jFkbnaQfSjLrKukZnMpA #/registration

Please share this opportunity with educators and education leaders throughout your schools and professional networks!

08/07/2026

07/29/2026

Do you know an amazing out-of-school educator who works tirelessly outside of the classroom to inspire and engage our youth in STEM? Nominate this amazing person today!

07/24/2026

Funding Opportunity for Idaho Nonprofits!

Are you an Idaho nonprofit that's been operating for at least one year and provides K–12 STEM or science education programming? You may be eligible for the FY2027 Idaho Science Education Grant Program!

This is a matching funds grant!
Applicants must provide at least a 50% match through cash or in-kind contributions. Grant funds are intended to support the expansion or maintenance of existing K–12 STEM and science education programs that inspire Idaho students.

Important Dates
Application Deadline: September 25, 2026 (5:00 PM MT)
Award Notifications: Approximately October 9, 2026

If your organization is looking to grow or sustain hands-on STEM learning opportunities for Idaho's K–12 students, now is the time to start planning your application!

Find the application information here: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/awards-grants-and-recognition/

07/20/2026

🚀 Calling all Out-of-School-Time (OST) educators and youth professionals! 🌎🪐

Looking for a fun way to bring NASA STEM into your afterschool program, library, museum, camp, or community organization?

Join the PLANETS Professional Development Workshop and gain hands-on experience with FREE NASA-funded curriculum designed for grades 3–8! Explore three engaging units that bring planetary science and engineering to life through inquiry and hands-on learning.

📅 Tuesday, August 11, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Boise State University
Education Building, Room 112

Participants will receive:
✨ $150 stipend
🥪 Lunch provided
📚 Free access to the complete PLANETS curriculum
🛠️ Support materials to help you implement the lessons in your OST setting

Workshop topics include:
🌍 Grades 3–5: Space Hazards
💧 Grades 6–8: Water in Extreme Environments & Remote Sensing

PLANETS is a NASA-funded project led by Northern Arizona University, providing engaging, hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curiosity and exploration.

🎟️ Seats are limited!
Register today: tinyurl.com/PLANETSBoise

07/16/2026

Do you know an amazing Idaho Out-of-School STEM educator that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for the Idaho Out-of-School STEM Education Award!

Sponsored by the Idaho STEM Action Foundation, the Idaho Out-of-School Network for the Idaho Out-of-School (OST) STEM Educator Award recognizes outstanding educators who go above and beyond to inspire youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within informal learning environments. This includes afterschool programs, summer camps, libraries, museums, and community-based organizations across the state.

Awards will be presented to educators demonstrating exceptional commitment to expanding STEM access and engagement outside the traditional K-12 classroom.

Deadline for Submission: September 14, 2026 (Midnight MST)

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesPp_5bOxiGzmiBreb5DK9vnjxMxs1ZQmcSGZoi06bv45Nug/viewform?fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacA3hFIFWFopYQqpIeBsL5x0qHlu84NHmHjoI_kF4HTYVE9WwZblpRyBWkmCA_aem_FdS-_NY55n2DYCsQ2G9O2Q

Questions? Contact: Raine Simplot | [email protected]