NEOSTEM Now | April 10, 2026
Gen Z’s Fading AI Hype
A new Gallup and Walton Family Foundation report reveals that Gen Z’s sentiment toward AI is shifting toward skepticism, with excitement dropping from 36% to 22% over the last year as concerns regarding entry-level job security and professional impact rise. Learn More
University of Akron Rocket Team Aims for World Record with Liquid-Fueled Rocket
The Akronauts Rocket Design Team is developing a custom liquid-fueled rocket, featuring their “Stinger” engine, in a high-stakes attempt to set a collegiate world record for altitude. Learn More
New Federal Blueprint Outlines Strategic R&D Priorities for Early Learning
The Alliance for Learning Innovation has released a comprehensive policy roadmap recommending targeted federal investments, public-private partnerships, and a national framework for AI to modernize the early learning research ecosystem. Learn More
New Analysis Identifies Schools “Beating the Odds” in Literacy
A new interactive study of 42,000 schools across the U.S. highlights “Bright Spots” where third-grade students are achieving high reading proficiency despite high poverty rates. Learn More
Addressing the Math Achievement Crisis: New Insights for K-12 Leaders
A new report from Bellwether highlights a path forward for K-12 math instruction, moving past the debate of “memorization vs. inquiry” to focus on what actually works for students. Learn More
Events & Resources
Family STEM Exploration Days are Back!
This May, we’re bridging the accessibility gap by bringing hands-on STEM activities directly to where students live and play. Join us for Family STEM Exploration Days to spark curiosity and inspire our city’s next generation of innovators. Free activities & food | No registration required.
May 09: Zelma George
May 16: Gunning Park
May 23: Collinwood
NSF Launches TechAccess: AI-Ready America Initiative
The TechAccess: AI-Ready America program is a national initiative providing up to $1M per year for three years to establish coordination hubs in every state and territory, with the first round of full proposals due July 16, 2026, following a required Letter of Intent by June 16, 2026. Learn More
Ohio Department of Education Announces K-3 Mathematics Diagnostic Q&A Webinar
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is hosting a live Q&A webinar regarding recent changes to the K-3 Mathematics Diagnostic required under Ohio law. The session will take place on Friday, April 17, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., featuring representatives from the Office of Academic Success. Learn More
Calling All STEM Volunteers: Share Your Experience!
Are you a current or former volunteer in an engineering or computer science youth program? Shauna Adams, a PhD candidate at Purdue University, is conducting a dissertation study to understand how volunteers access the resources and training they need to succeed. Who is eligible? Volunteers (18+) who have served in engineering or CS-focused roles within the U.S., or who work directly with youth, or develop youth programming. Participation Details: Survey: A 25-minute anonymous online questionnaire. Optional: A 45-minute follow-up interview. Your insights will help improve how organizations empower and support STEM mentors. Complete the Survey
Step Up to the Plate: Exhibit at the 2026 Cleveland Guardians STEM Days
Join NEOSTEM and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field to inspire thousands of students through high-energy, hands-on activities that showcase your organization’s commitment to regional STEM learning and career pathways. Learn More
New STEM Grant Opportunity: Funding for Student Success
The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation is offering rolling grants of up to $25,000 to support U.S.-based middle and high school programs that provide hands-on, project-based learning and prepare students for future careers in STEM. Learn More
NSF TIP Introductory webinar: AI-Ready America Program
The NSF AI-Ready America program aims to expand access to artificial intelligence knowledge, tools, training, and capacity-building to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Learn more about this funding opportunity that seeks to launch AI-ready coordination hubs in each U.S. state and territory.
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 1-2 p.m. EDT | Register Here
AI All In: Federal Shift Toward a Community-Led STEM Future
As federal agencies converge on a unified AI strategy, readiness has shifted from a technical challenge to a national priority—listen to the recent STEM Talk podcast on STEM and policy to learn how your organization can leverage new federal investments in teacher training, workforce upskilling, and community infrastructure. Learn More
Afterschool Programs: Essential Partners in Building AI Literacy and Proficiency
This policy brief argues that afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs are critical infrastructure for ensuring equitable access to AI education, providing the hands-on learning and mentorship necessary to prepare students for a future workforce increasingly shaped by emerging technologies. Learn More
About NEOSTEM
NEOSTEM connects over 100 organizations working across education, business, and community sectors to make STEM equitable, exciting, and career-connected.
From in-school support to out-of-school enrichment, we’re building a regional talent pipeline, from kindergarten through career.
Visit www.neostem.org | Contact us at info@neostem.org| Support NEOSTEM