From Cradle to Career
Walking the path,
leading the way.
Wednesday, November 19
Join us in re-imagining the future of STEM education in Washington
This year’s Summit focuses on the cradle-to-career journey.
We’ll explore the systems, partnerships, and promising practices shaping education reform in Washington. Through the lens of data justice, we’ll examine the barriers too many students face, connecting the dots between early care and education, STEM belonging, and postsecondary preparation.
In a year like no other, we invite you to join us as we learn, lead, and commit to actionable solutions and strategies to transform Washington’s education landscape.
Date:
Wednesday, November 19
Time:
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location:
Microsoft Conference Center, Redmond, Washington
Cost: $25
Meet our emcee for the day, Maynard Okereke
Maynard is an award-winning Science Communicator whose passion for science and entertainment—along with his curiosity for innovation—has taken him on an incredible life journey.
Summit Sponsors
Presenting: Microsoft
Platinum: McKinstry | Premium: Amazon, Intellectual Ventures
Urban League Metro Seattle (ULMS) | Salesforce
Artemis Connection | Brown & Brown of Washington, Inc.
Morning Agenda
8:00
Registration & Breakfast
8:30 – 10:00
Welcome by Microsoft
Presentation & Panel Talk
10:15
Panel Discussion:
Regional Career Pathways: Innovative Practices from the Field
Creating the conditions for belonging in STEM: Presentation & Panel Talk
We’re kicking off the day with an energizing morning session that explores the cradle-to-career journey through STEM literacy and belonging, connecting the dots between the fundamental life phases and systems that young people navigate as they progress toward college, post-secondary training, and careers.
Our emcee, Maynard Okereke, will set the tone for a dynamic panel of voices representing Washington’s education ecosystem. Together, they’ll spotlight urgent needs and bold ideas for change—grounding the day in our guiding message: education reform is justice work.
Regional Career Pathways: Innovative Practices from the Field
Regional Pathways vs Pathways in a Region…a subtle turn of phrase, but a distinct difference in practice. In this panel discussion, participants will hear from partners across the state who will share innovative practices and data that support the development of pathways intentionally designed to benefit entire regions.
Afternoon Agenda
12:00
Lunch
1:30 – 3:00
Optional Focused Work Sessions:
Connect, reflect, and commit to your leadership path (plus lunch).
Join us midday, where we’ll make space to connect and network with fellow education and workforce development practitioners, advocates, policymakers, students, and philanthropy leaders.
During lunch, we’ll highlight Washington STEM’s Rising Stars—young leaders whose brilliance and resilience point to the future of STEM in our state.
The session will close with a thoughtful reflection that brings us full circle, leaving everyone energized, grounded in purpose, and ready to carry the momentum forward in their own roles, organizations, and communities.
Early Care & Education: Realizing the Dream of Access
Let’s get clear on what Early Learning & Care data looks like in Washington state. We’ll provide an overview of the current data landscape and share a proposal for improving our state’s data practices.
With the full intent of gathering input and feedback, this session will focus on moving participants toward a shared vision: ensuring Early Care & Education access is rooted in partnership and trust, leading to the high-quality outcomes our youngest learners deserve.
Building Connections in the Preschool –12th grade STEM Ecosystem
In this session, we’ll explore the education ecosystem that supports a student’s path to graduating STEM literate and how to enable key indicators and outcomes along the way.
As decision-makers and leaders across this ecosystem, participants will learn about the policies, practices, and content (including AI) that are currently shaping student engagement in STEM and, by extension, their future career pathways.
This discussion will be grounded in student voice and sense of belonging, connecting system-level work to student experience.
Don’t wait to secure your spot:
The cradle-to-career journey at a glance:
WHAT THEY NEED TO GROW
Accessible, high-quality, culturally responsive ECE settings that foster curiosity, numeracy, executive functioning, and teamwork.
WHAT THEY NEED TO LEARN & PREPARE
An education experience that cultivates STEM literacy, encourages career exploration early on, and prepares students to transition from high school to post-secondary learning.
WHAT THEY NEED TO SUCCEED
Support in navigating college, internships, and credential attainment; Clear pathways from post-secondary training to in-demand STEM careers.
Presenting Sponsor
Sponsorship Opportunities
Washington STEM’s premier event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and educators to address barriers to student success and highlight pathways for the next generation of STEM leaders.
Each sponsorship level provides high-impact recognition, thought leadership opportunities, and meaningful engagement with Washington’s most influential STEM leaders.