Preparing students for the future isn't something schools can do alone. It takes strong partnerships between educators, community organizations, industry leaders, and philanthropic organizations that share a commitment to student success. Across the country, students face growing challenges, and too many are disengaged from learning or struggling to see a connection between the classroom and their future. By working together, we can create learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students develop the skills they'll need for tomorrow's careers. We're grateful for partners like The Weld Trust, whose investment in innovative learning environments is helping remove barriers and expand opportunities for students. Together, we're creating spaces where learners can explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and discover pathways to future success. When communities invest in students, everyone benefits. Become a SmartLab Parter: hubs.la/Q04lgRYk0 #SmartLab #TheWeldTrust #EducationPartnerships #FutureReady #StudentSuccess #WorkforceDevelopment #STEMEducation #CareerConnectedLearning #HandsOnLearning @SmartLabLearning @TheWeldTrust @JeffCarlson

STEM isn’t an expense. It’s an investment in future-ready learners and thriving communities. hubs.la/Q04lg9XS0 When schools intentionally design high-quality STEM experiences, the return goes far beyond test scores. We see stronger engagement, higher graduation rates, deeper critical thinking, and students who are prepared to step confidently into high-growth, high-paying careers. The data is clear: • STEM occupations are growing nearly three times faster than non-STEM fields. • STEM professionals earn significantly higher median salaries. • Access to equitable STEM learning can help close achievement gaps before they widen. The real ROI of STEM education is measured in confident problem-solvers, innovative thinkers, and adaptable leaders who are ready for a technology-driven world. If we want resilient schools and economically strong communities, investing in STEM is not optional. It’s essential. Read the full blog to explore the academic, economic, and equity impact of STEM education and access our resource on sustainable STEM funding strategies. hubs.la/Q04lg9XS0 #STEMeducation #FutureReady #CareerReadiness #K12Education #EducationLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #EdTech #InnovationInEducation #EquityInEducation #StudentSuccess #21stCenturySkills #SmartLab

This Pride Month, we celebrate the power of representation in STEM and the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels they belong. When students see innovators, creators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are more likely to envision themselves pursuing those paths. Representation matters because students deserve to see the many journeys that have shaped STEM and the many possibilities that lie ahead. At SmartLab, we believe innovation thrives when students are empowered to bring their authentic selves to learning, explore their interests, and discover their potential. This month and every month, we're committed to helping all learners develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity to shape the future. #PrideMonth #STEMEducation #FutureReady #StudentSuccess #Innovation #SmartLab

What if the most important skill students can develop isn't coding, engineering, or robotics? What if it's the confidence to tackle challenges they don't yet know how to solve? hubs.la/Q04lg-v90 In the latest episode of the Bold Business Podcast with host Jess Dewell, SmartLab CEO Dr. Jennifer Berry explores how productive struggle, STEM identity, and adaptability help prepare learners for an ever-changing world. As a leading STEM education company, SmartLab believes students need more than technical knowledge to thrive. Through hands-on, project-based STEM learning and career-connected STEM education, learners build the confidence, resilience, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to navigate emerging technologies, evolving careers, and opportunities that don't yet exist. At the heart of this work is STEM Identity: the belief that I belong, I add value, and I can master rigorous challenges. In a future shaped by AI and rapid innovation, those beliefs may be just as important as any technical skill. Listen to the podcast hubs.la/Q04lg-v90 and discover how STEM education can help prepare future-ready learners to lead through change, embrace lifelong learning, and create what's next. #BoldBusinessPodcast #SmartLab #STEMEducation #STEMEducationCompany #K12STEM #STEMPrograms #STEMLearningSolutions #ProjectBasedLearning #HandsOnSTEM #CareerConnectedLearning #STEMIdentity #FutureReadyStudents #FutureReadyLearning #FutureOfEducation #FutureOfWork #AIinEducation #AIReadiness #HumanCapital #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsForTheFuture #CriticalThinking #ProblemSolving

Confidence isn't built by getting every answer right. It's built through exploration, experimentation, collaboration, and productive struggle. hubs.la/Q04lb3Qr0 As a leading STEM education company, SmartLab helps schools create hands-on, project-based STEM learning environments where students develop the confidence to tackle challenges, solve real-world problems, and persist when solutions don't come easily. That work has never been more important. According to the World Economic Forum's latest report, Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint, advances in AI and frontier technologies are reshaping industries and redefining how value is created. The report notes that the organizations and economies that thrive will be those that build agile pathways for growth and invest in human capital. At SmartLab, we believe that starts in the classroom. Through our turnkey STEM programs, STEM learning solutions, and career-connected STEM education model, students build more than technical skills. They develop adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for careers, opportunities, and challenges that don't yet exist. Tomorrow's learners need more than knowledge. They need the confidence to navigate change, embrace innovation, and lead in an AI-powered world. That's why we focus on helping every learner develop a STEM identity: the belief that they belong, they add value, and they can master rigorous challenges. Because the future belongs to those who can learn, adapt, and create what's next. Read the blog: hubs.la/Q04lb3Qr0 #ProjectBasedLearning #HandsOnSTEM #CareerConnectedLearning #STEMIdentity #FutureReadyStudents #FutureReadyLearning #FutureOfEducation #FutureOfWork #FutureReadyWorkforce #AIinEducation #AIReadiness #HumanCapital #WorkforceDevelopment

What does it take for every student to feel like they belong in STEM? It is not about being labeled as “good at STEM.” It is about creating learning experiences that help students believe they belong, can take on challenge, and can make an impact. hubs.la/Q04l4p2l0 On Time for Teachership, Dr. Jennifer Berry joins host Lindsay Lyons to discuss inclusive STEM education, productive struggle, and the environments that help students build confidence, resilience, and agency. In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Berry shares how STEM identity is built through supportive environments, productive struggle, and real-world learning that helps students see that they belong, can tackle rigorous challenges, and have ideas that matter. The episode offers powerful insights for educators working to create learning experiences that strengthen resilience, confidence, and student voice. Listen to the podcast: hubs.la/Q04l4p2l0 #SmartLabLearning #TimeForTeachership #STEMEducation #STEMIdentity #StudentAgency #InclusiveEducation #BelongingInSTEM

From a student's first ah-HA! moment to the confidence that comes from solving real-world challenges, SmartLab is helping learners discover what's possible. Every day, SmartLab facilitators create meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and help students see themselves as innovators, creators, and future contributors to their communities and careers. In this video, hear directly from educators who witness that transformation firsthand: • Students building the confidence to tackle complex challenges • Learners developing the STEM identity that helps them envision future possibilities • Classrooms where hands-on, career-connected learning brings concepts to life • Learning environments that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world As a leading STEM education company, SmartLab empowers students to think critically, adapt confidently, and develop the skills needed for the future. Because when learners experience meaningful ah-HA! moments, they begin to see themselves differently and discover what they're capable of achieving. Watch how SmartLab is inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and future-ready learners. Let's Talk: hubs.la/Q04l5v0k0 #SmartLab #STEMEducation #STEMIdentity #FutureReady #FutureReadyLearners #CareerConnectedLearning #ProjectBasedLearning #LearningByDoing #StudentSuccess #EducationInnovation #K12Education #ProblemSolving #InnovationInEducation

The spaces where students learn shape how they think, collaborate, and see themselves. A thoughtfully designed STEM classroom does more than support hands-on learning. It creates opportunities for learners to build confidence, solve real-world problems, take creative risks, and develop the STEM identity that helps them see themselves as future innovators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers. From flexible layouts and collaborative spaces to accessible materials and intentional design, STEM-ready classrooms help students engage more deeply, think critically, and develop the confidence to tackle complex challenges. As a leading STEM education company, SmartLab believes students build STEM identity through meaningful ah-HA! moments that transform curiosity into purposeful problem-solving. Discover how intentional classroom design can spark curiosity, strengthen collaboration, and create learning environments where every student belongs. Read the blog: hubs.la/Q04l1zBK0 #STEMEducation #STEMLearning #STEMIdentity #FutureReady #FutureReadyLearners #EducationInnovation #ProjectBasedLearning #LearningByDoing #StudentEngagement #STEMClassroom #K12Education #SmartLab

This Pride Month, we celebrate the power of representation in STEM and the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels they belong. When students see innovators, creators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are more likely to envision themselves pursuing those paths. Representation matters because students deserve to see the many journeys that have shaped STEM and the many possibilities that lie ahead. At SmartLab, we believe innovation thrives when students are empowered to bring their authentic selves to learning, explore their interests, and discover their potential. This month and every month, we're committed to helping all learners develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity to shape the future. #PrideMonth #STEMEducation #FutureReady #StudentSuccess #Innovation #SmartLab

STEM labs can look amazing in the moment — but how do you know they’re working consistently, delivering real impact, and staying strong year after year? hubs.la/Q04kWYS00 In “What Does STEM Education Success Look Like? KPIs for Administrators & Superintendents,” Haley Ruman breaks down the key performance indicators that help district leaders move beyond anecdotal wins and into measurable, sustainable STEM success. From student engagement and learning outcomes to project completion, collaboration, and creativity, the right KPIs act like “vital signs” — showing whether your STEM program is thriving, improving, or needs targeted support. Because when you can measure what matters, you can strengthen instruction, scale what’s working, and build STEM experiences students can grow with across grade levels. Read the Blog: hubs.la/Q04kWYS00 #STEMEducation #STEMLabs #K12Education #EducationLeadership #StudentEngagement #ProjectBasedLearning #DataInformed #STEMSuccess

Recognition like this doesn't happen by chance. SmartLab was named a winner of the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best of 2025, an honor that recognized educational technology solutions demonstrating measurable impact for schools, educators, and students. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the criteria behind it. Solutions were evaluated by an expert panel on factors including classroom impact, ease of implementation, interoperability, data privacy, and their ability to support meaningful teaching and learning outcomes. At SmartLab, those are the same standards that guide everything we do. Our integrated STEM learning environments help schools move beyond isolated technology experiences to create engaging, real-world learning opportunities where students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills that prepare them for future careers. This recognition reflects the work happening every day in SmartLabs across the country, where educators are empowering learners to explore emerging technologies, tackle authentic challenges, and build the durable skills needed for a rapidly evolving world. While this award was presented in 2025, its significance continues today as more schools seek proven solutions that connect STEM learning, career exploration, and future readiness in meaningful ways. Thank you to Tech & Learning for this recognition, and to the educators, school leaders, and students who bring the SmartLab experience to life every day. Learn more: hubs.la/Q04kXVgY0 #SmartLab #STEMEducation #FutureReadyLearning #EducationInnovation #CareerConnectedLearning #EdTech #K12Education

What does it take to prepare students for a future shaped by AI, rapid change, and careers we cannot fully predict yet? hubs.la/Q04kMzbP0 In this episode of Inspiring Business Leaders, hosted by Richard Tiland, Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, shares why preparing students for the future is about more than technology. It’s about helping them build the durable skills that matter most: critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, and the confidence to believe their ideas have value. Jennifer also discusses parenting in the digital age, the importance of hands-on learning, and why students must learn to lead technology rather than be led by it. Listen to the full podcast and hear Jennifer’s vision for the future of learning: hubs.la/Q04kMzbP0 #SmartLab #STEMEducation #Podcast #JenniferBerry #FutureReady #HandsOnLearning #CareerConnectedLearning #EducationLeadership #STEMIdentity #AIInEducation

At St. Joseph Catholic STEM School in Waconia, Minnesota, students are stepping into hands-on, project-based experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. They’re building, testing, collaborating, and solving real challenges, developing not just knowledge, but confidence in their ideas. In the SmartLab, learning becomes something students do. They explore technology, think critically, and begin to see how what they’re learning connects to the world around them and the possibilities ahead. These are the moments that shape how students see themselves. As creators. As problem-solvers. As future innovators. Learn More: hubs.la/Q04kP9Pf0 #STEMEducation #ProjectBasedLearning #STEMLearning #FutureReady #STEMIdentity #SmartLab #EducationInnovation #K12Education #CareerConnectedLearning #MinnesotaSchools

Innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together to solve complex challenges. hubs.la/Q04kMbVC0 Yet today, the STEM workforce still does not fully reflect the communities it serves. Expanding diversity in STEM is not just about representation. It is about unlocking creativity, strengthening problem-solving, and ensuring the next generation of innovators can shape solutions for a rapidly changing world. Inclusive STEM learning environments play a critical role in this work. When students see role models who reflect their identities, engage in meaningful hands-on experiences, and feel a true sense of belonging, they are more likely to build confidence and persist in STEM pathways. Creating these opportunities early helps empower students from all backgrounds to see themselves as scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators. Explore how educators, communities, and industry leaders can help expand opportunity and strengthen diversity in STEM. Read the blog: hubs.la/Q04kMbVC0 #STEMEducation #DiversityInSTEM #EquityInEducation #FutureReady #STEMLearning #InclusiveEducation #STEMWorkforce #EducationLeadership

What does it take for every student to feel like they belong in STEM? It is not about being labeled as “good at STEM.” It is about creating learning experiences that help students believe they belong, can take on challenge, and can make an impact. hubs.la/Q04kL_9r0 On Time for Teachership, Dr. Jennifer Berry joins host Lindsay Lyons to discuss inclusive STEM education, productive struggle, and the environments that help students build confidence, resilience, and agency. In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Berry shares how STEM identity is built through supportive environments, productive struggle, and real-world learning that helps students see that they belong, can tackle rigorous challenges, and have ideas that matter. The episode offers powerful insights for educators working to create learning experiences that strengthen resilience, confidence, and student voice. Listen to the podcast: hubs.la/Q04kL_9r0 #SmartLabLearning #TimeForTeachership #STEMEducation #STEMIdentity #StudentAgency #InclusiveEducation #BelongingInSTEM

SmartLab helps students develop the skills that matter most in a fast-moving world. Through hands-on, collaborative learning, students build communication, creativity, and flexibility while gaining the confidence to adapt to new technologies and ideas. These experiences prepare learners not just to keep up with change—but to help shape what comes next. #SmartLab #LearningIsDifferentHere #FutureReady #CareerConnectedLearning #DurableSkills #HandsOnLearning #STEMIdentity #StudentSuccess

This Pride Month, we celebrate the power of representation in STEM and the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels they belong. When students see innovators, creators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are more likely to envision themselves pursuing those paths. Representation matters because students deserve to see the many journeys that have shaped STEM and the many possibilities that lie ahead. At SmartLab, we believe innovation thrives when students are empowered to bring their authentic selves to learning, explore their interests, and discover their potential. This month and every month, we're committed to helping all learners develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity to shape the future. #PrideMonth #STEMEducation #FutureReady #StudentSuccess #Innovation #SmartLab

Sustainable STEM learning starts with sustainable funding. For many schools and districts, the challenge is not recognizing the value of STEM education. It is finding the funding pathways that make transformational learning experiences possible for every student. In this new SmartLab blog, we explore how educators and district leaders can identify and secure education grants that support long-term STEM implementation, from federal and state opportunities to nonprofit partnerships, corporate giving, and blended funding strategies. As a STEM company, SmartLab works alongside schools to help create future-ready learning environments where students engage in hands-on, project-based STEM learning that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and prepares learners for careers that continue to evolve, including jobs that do not yet exist. Today’s students need more than content knowledge alone. They need opportunities to think critically, collaborate, solve authentic problems, and connect classroom learning to real-world industries and emerging technologies. Career-connected STEM learning helps students build durable skills while increasing engagement, strengthening academic performance, and creating meaningful pathways to future success. Research continues to show that hands-on, project-based STEM learning environments can improve student engagement, participation, and academic outcomes while helping students see themselves as future innovators, creators, and problem-solvers. This guide explores: ✔ Federal, state, nonprofit, and private STEM funding sources ✔ Strategies for writing stronger grant proposals ✔ Tips for blending and braiding funding streams ✔ Common grant application mistakes to avoid ✔ Long-term sustainability planning for STEM initiatives Discover how strategic funding can help schools expand access to meaningful STEM learning experiences that prepare students for the future of work and life. #STEMEducation #CareerConnectedLearning #FutureReadyLearning #STEMGrants #EducationFunding #ProjectBasedLearning #HandsOnLearning #K12Education #EducationInnovation #STEMLearning #WorkforceDevelopment #CTE #EdLeaders #StudentEngagement #FutureOfWork #SmartLabLearning

In this podcast, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, about the connection between STEM education, leadership, and creating environments where people thrive. Dr. Berry shares SmartLab's mission of developing STEM identity, defined as a learner's belief that they belong, can master challenges, and can make meaningful contributions. hubs.la/Q04kv2ng0 Drawing from her leadership experience in both retail and education, Dr. Berry explains how the principles that help students succeed are the same principles that help organizations succeed. Effective leaders create supportive environments, provide the right tools and systems, facilitate learning rather than dictate solutions, and encourage people to learn through experimentation and failure. The conversation explores SmartLab's five-part ecosystem for student success, adaptive leadership, resilience during uncertainty, and the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills in an AI-driven world. Dr. Berry also discusses STEM Identity Day, an initiative that brings industry professionals into classrooms to share personal stories about discovering their passions, overcoming challenges, and finding their place in STEM-related careers. A central theme throughout the discussion is that leadership is highly contextual. Rather than applying a single leadership style, leaders must adapt to the needs of the people, circumstances, and environments around them. The episode concludes with a discussion on inspiring future generations to become critical thinkers, collaborators, and problem-solvers in a rapidly evolving world. Listen to the podcast: hubs.la/Q04kv2ng0 #SmartLab #STEMEducation #STEMIdentity #FutureReady #EducationLeadership #ProjectBasedLearning #LeadershipDevelopment #K12Education #CareerReadiness #FutureOfLearning

SmartLab is Great Place To Work Certified for 2026! Certifications are measured in data points. This certification was built by the employees of SmartLab. Every member of our team, from those just getting started to those who have been here for years, answered honestly when asked what it feels like to work here. What they said reflects what we see every day: a group of exceptionally smart people who genuinely care about each other and about the students and schools they wake up to serve. We are proud of this recognition. We are proud of who we are. Read more: hubs.la/Q04ktvML0 #GPTWCertified #STEMIdentity #STEMeducation #K12education #companyculture #peoplefirstleader