10th Annual Hawaii STEM Conference offers empowering STEM experiences

Educators and students are invited to immerse themselves in a dynamic, interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) event are invited to attend the 10th Annual Hawaii STEM Conference on May 1 and 2 at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu.

Registration will be accepted through April 26, 2019.  For event details and to register, visit www.hawaiistemconference.org.

The conference is presented by STEMworks™ a statewide initiative of Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB).

This year’s event is expected to attract over 1,000 STEMworks™/Service Learning students and 300 teachers from K-12 schools on the islands of Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii Island, and Oahu; along with prominent speakers, industry leaders, and event partners. During this regional technology conference, attendees will explore the latest technology tools and resources designed to inspire problem solving, critical thinking, innovation, collaboration and communication. They will also hear stories of inspiration and engage in activities with some of the biggest names in STEM.

“In today’s ever-changing technology world, it’s critical for our youth to be equipped with STEM employability skills to help them meet tomorrow’s challenges and prepare them for the many rewarding STEM careers ahead,” said Isla Young, Director of STEM Education and Workforce Development. “Ultimately, our hope is that these STEM experiences will encourage and inspire our youth to improve their community and our world.”

This year’s conference will feature:

  •  Over 50 hands-on student and teacher sessions being presented by education teams and industry experts from Bayer, Bishop Museum, Blue Planet Foundation, Code.org, Conservify, CyberHawaii, DevLeague/Sudokrew, DJRon808, Elemental Excelerator, ENGIE Services U.S. Hawai‘i Region, ES&A, Inc., Esri, Fessenden Public School, GenCyber Hawaii, Hardware Science, Harris-Stowe State University, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Department of Education, Hawaii Energy/Leidos, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, HCATT, HDOE - Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, HSSU Upward Bound, ‘Iolani School, Ka’ana Solutions, Kalama Intermediate School, KISS Robotics, Lahainaluna High School, Maui Department of Education, Maui High School ACOM, Microsoft Corporation, Molokai High School, Momilani Elementary School, Munich Public School, Na Hunaahi, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, National Geographic Society, Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii, NIOC Hawaii, NOAA, North Dakota State University, NSA – Hawaii, Oceanit, Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training, RoboNation, Science Camps of America, State of Hawaii - Creative Industries Division / Creative Lab Hawaii, STEMscopes, STEMworks™, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, UH Foundation Office of STEM Education, United States Navy, USN,USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and Waialae Elementary PCS.
  • The STEMworks™ Spotlight showcasing the STEM service learning projects created by Hawaii STEMworks™ students throughout the state.
  • A timed, high-energy mixer – the 5×5 Sessions – will provide students the opportunity to engage with over eighty different STEM industry professionals in a “speed networking” format to learn about STEM career pathways, personal experiences and insights.
  •  Presentation by keynote speakers:
  • Sabari Raja, Co-Founder & CEO, Nepris, Inc
  • Nainoa Thompson, President, Polynesian Voyaging Society
  • Shah Selbe, National Geographic Explorer
  • Brandon Marcos, Kauai High School STEMworks Star
  • Total of seven student-centered STEM competitions designed to challenge students’ skills and creativity: ArcGIS Online US School Competition, 60 Second Lab Tour, Game Design, Photography, STEMworks™ Mascot, Superhero CAD, and T-Shirt Design.
  • Three fast-paced HACKATHONs where participants will be empowered to create a Voyaging song for the Hokulea, develop corals that can adapt to our planet’s warming oceans, or design an app to mobilize citizen scientists to bring attention to endangered/threatened animals.
  •  A STEMworks™ Playground offering students and teachers the opportunity to immerse themselves in STEM sessions.

The 10th Annual Hawaii STEM Conference Funded by Office of Naval Research, Airforce Research and Laboratory, support from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund, and Creative Industries Hawaii. Event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, University of Hawaii Systems, Strada Education Network, Hawaii Energy, Microsoft, Hawaiian Electric, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum &K Park, Cyber Hawaii, Engie, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Geographic Information Coordinating Council, and Esri.

About STEMworks™

The flagship program of the Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology, STEMworks™ is a service-learning initiative designed to engage, inspire, and motivate K-12 students and underrepresented groups toward STEM careers to create a better world. STEMworks™ trains students and teachers in industry-standard software and engineering design practices using hands-on curriculum, regional conferences and workshops. The goal is to work with educators, industry partners and community members to build a thriving STEM education-to-workforce pipeline throughout Hawaii.