iSTEM Conference

then, a committee has been created to run future STEM summer camps. The College of Technology hopes that each year will be better than the last and that Ignite Their Future will continue for years to come while ensuring that financial hardships are never a reason for students to avoid attending. “We are able to offer our summer camps, online courses and enrichment activities at very low costs and in some cases for free because of the amazing support from our community, state agencies and industry partners,” said Pitcher. “It has truly been amazing to see the influx of monetary support for the initiative.”

Students interact with an Anatomage virtual dissection table.

Ignite Their Future’s mission is to build a community of support for STEM education among educators, students, parents and industry partners and offers both in-person and online STEM camps. If you are interested in attending the 5th Annual Ignite Their Future Summer Camp, please contact the College of Technology at (208) 282-3372 or visit the website at cetrain.isu.edu/itf.

Teachers learning hands-on STEM instructional techniques.

iSTEM: Train the Trainers

Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) careers are often cited as the future — as a necessity even. That is why it is important for educators at all levels to familiarize themselves with these fields. It is also important that we learn how to spread interest in these careers to ensure that students continue entering these vital fields. The Idaho Science, Technology, Education and Math (iSTEM) Conference provides opportunities that address these issues. It is an educational conference held for K-12 educators across Idaho. iSTEM is a chance for professional enrichment and development that is held in both classrooms and informal settings. The various breakout sessions that attendees can partake in are called strands. The topics of these strands vary by location and the theme of the event. Another aspect of the conference is that it provides educators with the knowledge of what careers are available to their students locally in the fields related to the strands they attended. From June 14-17, Idaho State University held its 10th annual iSTEM event allowing educators to attend in-person for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This opportunity was met with great excitement as the attendees preferred the physical events to the virtual. This year’s theme was “Amplify STEM” and ISU hosted four strands: “Ready, Set, Drones”, “Cracking the Code: Computer Science for K-12 and Beyond”, “Power of Earth & Space Sciences” and ‘What are the Ingredients Required to survive Regardless of Time, Space and Place”. The event was a success as 39 educators attended all four days during which emphasis was placed on non-traditional STEM careers like Cosmetology, Agriculture, Information Technology and Physical Therapy by providing attendees with a panel on each of them. iSTEM 2023 will be announced soon. K-12 educators interested in attending future iSTEM events can find the relevant information at stem.idaho.gov/apply/i-stem/isu/. Applications open February 10, 2023 and close on March 17, 2023.