Learning Sessions
Now Accepting Learning Session Proposals for the 2026 STEM Innovation Forum
Learning Sessions are breakout presentations that highlight high-impact examples of STEM-focused career awareness and exploration, community engagement, employee and industry partnerships, and innovative education and workforce pathways. Session presenters represent a diverse range of stakeholders across the STEM ecosystem, including K–12 school districts, postsecondary institutions, nonprofit organizations, industry leaders, and other community partners.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies, actionable insights, and real-world examples they can adapt to strengthen STEM access, expand participation, and advance workforce development within their own organizations and communities.
Why Lead a Learning Session?
Learning Sessions are 40-minute, high-impact breakout conversations designed to inspire action. Presenters engage the audience through a 30-minute panel or presentation followed by interactive Q&A, offering attendees concrete tools, replicable practices, and fresh perspectives they can take back to their own organizations and communities.
Suggested topics for your session include:
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Thoughtful approaches to integrating AI into learning while building the skills students need for an evolving workforce
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Career-connected STEM pathways that give learners real-world exposure to careers through experiential and work-based learning
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Effective cross-sector partnerships that strengthen STEM talent pipelines across industry, education, government, and community
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Forward-looking strategies that prepare learners and the workforce for emerging technologies beyond AI, from quantum to biotechnology to smart automation
We welcome proposals that bring schools, colleges and universities, industry, nonprofits, and government together to achieve shared goals. Priority will be given to sessions that combine AI integration within current education or workforce development best practice.
Proposal Deadline: September 24, 2026
If you have a program, initiative, resource, or collaboration that’s making a measurable difference in STEM readiness and workforce impact — we want to learn from you!
LEARNING SESSIONS / frequently asked questions
- What kind of session should I propose?
- What types of AV will be available for my presentation?
- If my proposal is accepted, what happens next?
- How many people will be in my session if it is accepted?
- If I have questions about my proposal, is there someone who can help?
Proposals should highlight best practices and programs that demonstrate community collaboration. They should also align with our core themes: AI-Ready Learning, Career-Connected STEM Pathways, Building Stronger Partnerships for a Future-Ready Workforce, and Preparing for Emerging Technologies Beyond AI.
The learning sessions will take place in breakout rooms located at TWU.
A/V will be provided and will include: projector or TV with screen and audio. HDMI, Mini DisplayPort (Mac), & VGA Connections will also be made available for easy connection of the presenter's own computer.
Conference organizers will notify participants of the status of their proposal on September 29, 2026 via email. Proposal acceptance includes 1 free registration - the promo code will be included in the acceptance email sent early October.
As sessions will be open, it is difficult to say exactly how many conference participants will attend any session. However, we will have 4 or 5 concurrent sessions available with a total of 8-10 breakout sessions available. (Please note this is subject to change.)
Additionally from our experience, popular sessions are compelling with broad appeal and are marketed in advance of the conference via social media to increase visibility.
Please contact Kylie.Messier@stemconnector.com