NEOSTEM Now | April 17, 2026
U.S. Education Department Unveils New Strategic Priorities Amid Agency Restructuring
Following a significant workforce reduction and the offloading of programs to the Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Education has announced a new focus on career readiness, artificial intelligence literacy, and literacy in high-needs areas, while shifting safety and regulatory oversight of these initiatives to state and local levels. Learn More
The Graduation Gap: Diplomas Without Proficiency
New data reveals a staggering “graduation gap” across the United States, where high school graduation rates outpace math proficiency by as much as 50 percentage points, leaving many graduates unprepared for college or the workforce. Learn More
Different Apps, Different Worlds: How Teens Navigate Social Media
A new Pew Research Center report reveals that while U.S. teens primarily use TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for entertainment and connection, their experiences with mental health, sleep, and cyberbullying vary significantly depending on the platform. Learn More
Rebuilding IES to Amplify the Impact of Education Research on Student Outcomes
Following a period of significant federal disruption, a new analysis from Brookings argues that reinvesting in the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is essential for providing education leaders with the rigorous, independent evidence needed to address modern challenges like academic recovery and AI integration. Learn More
Michelin Guide to Launch Great Lakes Edition
The Michelin Guide is expanding its U.S. presence with a new Great Lakes edition featuring restaurants in Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh, with the first selections expected in early 2027. Learn More
How did afterschool STEM education fare in the FY2027 President’s Budget Request?
The President’s FY2027 budget proposal suggests significant funding cuts and the consolidation of 17 Department of Education programs—including the primary funding stream for afterschool programs—into a new, smaller grant initiative titled “Make Education Great Again” (MEGA). 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: Cle Public Auditorium (9AM-4PM)
May 16: Gunning Park (12-2PM)
May 23: Collinwood (12-2PM)
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
27th Annual Rock Your World with STEAM Family Festival
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District invites families to the Cleveland Public Auditorium on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a dynamic day of scholar performances, interactive exhibits like the MEGA Body™ walk-through, and hands-on STEAM learning. Learn More
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
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
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
2026 ReadOhio Literacy Academy: Registration Now Open
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will host this year’s academy on June 3–4, 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, focusing on “Integrating Systems for Student Success” through sessions dedicated to advancing statewide literacy and teacher leadership. Learn More
NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY: Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks for K-12 STEM Innovation
The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program provides funding for collaborative teams of educators, technologists, and researchers to co-design and scale technology-based solutions—with a particular emphasis on early AI exposure—to address persistent challenges in K-12 learning and workforce development. Planning Proposals Due: May 27, 2026 | Development Proposals Due: Nov.18, 2026 Learn More
In-Demand Jobs Week 2026: Powering Ohio’s Future
In-Demand Jobs Week is a statewide celebration held from May 4-8, 2026, designed to connect students and job seekers with the high-growth industries and essential skills driving Ohio’s economy. 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