The Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana Michiana are actively working to break down stereotypes that suggest science and math are not for girls. Through programs like Rockin' Robots, they aim to show young girls that STEM fields are accessible and achievable, starting as early as first grade.

Developing AI literacy in K-12 students is crucial for equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven economy, writes Arman Jaffer, founder and CEO of Brisk Teaching. He highlights the importance of initiatives like California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bill mandating AI and media literacy in the state’s K-12 curriculum and calls for expanding these efforts to include more robust, real-world AI applications across subjects like math, science and English

Esports programs in Ector County, Texas, schools are transforming student engagement by making school more enjoyable and providing an outlet for video game enthusiasts to showcase their skills. "I feel like a lot of problem solving and strategy goes into playing video games, and it feels like it's great that we as students get to learn in a fun way," said Yadiel Hernandez, a senior.

Wildfires in Southern California have forced the closure of 335 schools, affecting more than 211,000 students, as educators step up to provide support and shelter. Educators are working to support displaced students and families, even as some have lost their own homes, and are providing emotional support to students affected by the wildfires, recognizing the trauma and uncertainty they face.

Brittney Tarr, a STEM specialist at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School, highlights the growing role of robotics in education, emphasizing its benefits for developing STEM identities and exploratory learning among elementary students. Tarr, who is also a doctoral student at Illinois State University, has a background in special education and English-language learning.

Major companies such as Google, Microsoft and Southwest Airlines are highlighting the importance of social-emotional learning in schools to prepare students for the workforce. Google values self-awareness and responsible decision-making, Microsoft emphasizes emotional intelligence and adaptability, and Southwest looks for communication and teamwork skills.