NEOSTEM Now | May 1, 2026
Over 1,000 Students Attend STEM Day with the Guardians
Watch WKYC’s recap of the April 29th STEM Day with the Cleveland Guardians. Hundreds of students gathered at Progressive Field for a high-energy “interactive learning lab” featuring quick-fire STEM demos, mini-builds, and career-connected challenges. Learn More
Report: Nearly $300 Million in Federal Education Research Funds at Risk of Expiring
An analysis by the Knowledge Alliance warns that over a third of the Institute of Education Sciences’ budget remains unspent due to administrative delays, threatening a potential 85% funding cut to special education studies if the money is not obligated by the September 30 deadline. Learn More
Secretary McMahon Proposes 3% Cut to Education Budget to Curb “Bureaucracy”
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon presented a $76.5 billion fiscal year 2027 budget plan to a Senate subcommittee, proposing to consolidate 17 K-12 grant programs into a single $2 billion “Make Education Great Again” block grant while shifting more administrative authority to state and local leaders. Learn More
Students to Lead Development of National Model AI Policy for Schools
This summer, dozens of students and superintendents will convene in Boston for a three-day summit hosted by AASA and Day of AI to participate in a legislative simulation where students will debate and draft a model artificial intelligence policy for school districts nationwide. Learn More
The Labor Automation Forecasting Hub: Predicting AI’s Impact on the Future of Work
Launched by Renaissance Philanthropy in partnership with Metaculus and the Schultz Family Foundation, this initiative provides a real-time, crowd-sourced forecasting dashboard to help policymakers and educators navigate how artificial intelligence will reshape employment, wages, and industry demand over the next decade. 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)
Applications Open: Federal SEED Program Grant for Educator Workforce Development
The U.S. Department of Education is soliciting applications for the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program, offering funding to higher education institutions and national nonprofits to implement evidence-based professional learning and preparation models that improve student outcomes. Learn More
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
May 13 Join NEOSTEM for Cleveland Guardians STEM Day
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
2026 Artificial Intelligence in Measurement and Education Conference (AIME-Con)
This premier interdisciplinary gathering brings together experts in AI, psychometrics, and learning analytics to explore how rigorous measurement science can ensure validity, fairness, and instructional effectiveness in the next generation of AI-integrated educational tools. Learn More
Ohio STEM Innovation Summit Early Bird Ends May 8
Join fellow educators and STEM advocates in Columbus on June 9 for a day of inspiring breakout sessions, networking, and a celebration of newly designated STE(A)M schools—all for the discounted early bird rate of $89 if you register by May 8. 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
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
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