NEOSTEM Now | May 8, 2026
State Lawmakers Set Guardrails for AI in Schools: 2026 Legislative Trends
In response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, 31 states have introduced over 130 bills this legislative session to regulate AI in education by prioritizing student data privacy, establishing human oversight in classrooms, and integrating AI literacy into graduation requirements. Learn More
The Federal Investments Reshaping STEM — What It Means for our STEM Workforce Community of Practice
This article explores how the National Science Foundation’s TIP Directorate and programs like Regional Innovation Engines are shifting federal funding toward applied research and regional cross-sector partnerships to build a more competitive, inclusive STEM workforce. Learn More
AI Godfather’s Survival Guide: Navigating Between Hype & Doom
In a new framework for the AI era, pioneering researcher Geoffrey Hinton offers a “survival guide” that balances the transformative potential of artificial intelligence against the existential risks of autonomous systems, urging a middle path of rigorous safety protocols and global cooperation. Learn More
Inside the New Math Wars: Navigating the “Science of Math” Debate
A new report from the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) provides a comprehensive guide for stakeholders to navigate the complex “science of math” debate, which pits traditional explicit instruction against reform-oriented discovery learning amidst a nationwide push for evidence-based curricula. Learn More
‘It’s a quality of life issue’: Cleveland director of Parks and Recreation, Alexandria Nichols, discusses plans for the summer
Cleveland Director of Parks and Recreation Alexandria Nichols outlines a comprehensive strategy for the season that prioritizes facility upgrades and expanded youth engagement, including a new “learn-to-swim” initiative and educational partnerships like the STEM Playbook pilot for elementary 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: Cle Public Auditorium (9AM-4PM)
May 16: Gunning Park (12-2PM)
May 23: Collinwood (12-2PM)
Family STEM Exploration Days
This May, we’re bringing hands-on STEM activities directly to students. Join us for free activities & food. No registration required
May 09: Cleveland Public Auditorium (9 AM – 4 PM as part of Rock Your World in STEAM)
May 16: Gunning Park
May 23: Collinwood
Apply as an Exhibitor | Download the Flyer
Federal Grant Opens for Colleges to Establish On-Campus Child Care Programs
Higher education institutions have until May 29 to apply for a portion of $73.5 million in federal CCAMPIS funding designed to support student parents by establishing or expanding campus-based child care services. Learn More
10 Useful Tech Tools for Educators in 2026: A Practical Guide
The 74 highlights ten essential, user-friendly digital tools – including AI-powered platforms like NotebookLM and collaborative spaces like FigJam -designed to streamline lesson planning, boost student engagement, and simplify administrative tasks for teachers at all grade levels. Learn More
Ignite Your STEM Journey: Summer ’26 Roots in Research
Roots in Research is seeking 36 passionate, high-school students from underserved backgrounds for an entirely virtual program (June 29 – July 30) designed to teach the fundamentals of scientific inquiry to those with no prior research experience. Learn More
Stitch Your Future: Summer ’26 Seed to Suture Applications Open
Aspiring surgeons from underserved backgrounds are invited to apply for this immersive virtual program running June 28th to July 26th, where 20 selected participants will receive a complimentary suture kit and expert-led training to master the basics of surgical medicine. Learn More
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
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
NSF 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
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
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