SmartLab

STEM education isn’t just about creating future engineers — it’s about helping students believe they belong in problem-solving spaces. https://hubs.la/Q04jzrTb0 On the latest episode of Science’s Cool Unplugged, host Dave Baker sits down with Dr. Jennifer Barry, CEO of SmartLab, to unpack what STEM identity really means.

Dr. Barry shares why real learning happens through multiple moments —
moments of curiosity, failure, persistence, and breakthrough.

• Students don’t grow through perfect answers.
• They grow through productive struggle.
• And they build confidence by realizing: I can do hard things.

The conversation also explores how today’s learners are becoming AI natives, naturally questioning and challenging technology — and how schools, communities, and industry must come together to prepare students to lead in an AI-powered world.

Tune in for an inspiring rethink of what STEM learning can be: https://hubs.la/Q04jzrTb0

This Pride Month, we celebrate the power of representation in STEM and the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels they belong. When students see innovators, creators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are more likely to envision themselves pursuing those paths.

Representation matters because students deserve to see the many journeys that have shaped STEM and the many possibilities that lie ahead.

At SmartLab, we believe innovation thrives when students are empowered to bring their authentic selves to learning, explore their interests, and discover their potential. This month and every month, we're committed to helping all learners develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity to shape the future.

Connect with SmartLab's Julie Estes, in the New Gym/STEM Playground, at the RCS Tech Jamboree 2026. The RCS Technology Department's K–12 Technology Mini-Conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Brittany Roberts, educational leader, author, scholar-practitioner, and Richmond Senior High School alumna. This engaging event brings together educators, staff, and education advocates for a day of exploring innovative technology tools, hands-on learning sessions, the STEM Playground, raffle prizes, local food trucks, and professional learning opportunities, including 0.5 CEU credits.

At SmartLab, we believe STEM identity grows when students see themselves as capable problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. When learners believe, "I belong here, I can tackle rigorous challenges, and my ideas have value," new possibilities emerge.

Discover how project-based STEM learning and immersive, applied learning experiences help students build confidence, strengthen durable skills, and prepare for a future shaped by AI, innovation, and evolving careers. From critical thinking and collaboration to adaptability and creative problem-solving, students develop the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Join the conversation and explore how SmartLab is helping schools create future-ready learning environments through authentic, hands-on STEM experiences that empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.

County Schools

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor the innovators, explorers, and changemakers whose contributions to STEM have expanded human understanding, strengthened communities, and shaped the future of our world. Paromita Mitra, a NASA mechatronics engineer helping advance the Artemis Generation, exemplifies the power of innovation, curiosity, and representation in shaping the future of space exploration. Through her work in robotics and engineering at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mitra is contributing to technologies that support the next era of human discovery beyond Earth while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mitra’s work combines engineering, robotics, and problem-solving to help drive innovation in aerospace and next-generation exploration systems. Her contributions reflect the growing impact of diverse voices in STEM and the importance of creating pathways for future innovators.

Advancing the future of space exploration requires creativity, collaboration, and the courage to explore what is possible. Paromita Mitra’s work reminds us that today’s innovators are helping shape a more connected, innovative, and discovery-driven future for generations to come.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory University of Michigan

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor the innovators, explorers, and changemakers whose contributions to STEM have expanded human understanding, strengthened communities, and shaped the future of our world. Ellison Onizuka, aerospace engineer, U.S. Air Force officer, and the first Japanese American astronaut in space, exemplifies the power of perseverance, exploration, and scientific innovation in advancing the future of space discovery. As a mission specialist aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, Onizuka inspired generations by demonstrating the limitless possibilities of curiosity, courage, and human achievement.

A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder and member of NASA’s astronaut corps, Onizuka dedicated his career to advancing aerospace engineering and expanding opportunities for future explorers and innovators. His work helped support critical advancements in spaceflight technology while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving in STEM fields.

Throughout his career, Onizuka remained deeply committed to education and inspiring young people to pursue science, engineering, and exploration. His legacy continues to encourage students and future innovators to dream boldly, challenge boundaries, and pursue opportunities that expand what is possible for themselves and their communities.

Advancing the future of space exploration requires resilience, creativity, and the courage to explore the unknown. Ellison Onizuka’s story reflects how representation in STEM can inspire future generations to reach beyond limitations and help shape a more innovative and discovery-driven future.

NASA University of Colorado Boulder Japanese American National Museum U.S. Air Force Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

What skills will students need to thrive in the future of work, leadership, and innovation? In a compelling new episode of the Achieve Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, shares her inspiring journey from professional dancer to education innovator and explores why hands-on, project-based STEM learning is essential for preparing students for an AI-powered future. https://hubs.la/Q04jpS-w0

From developing “STEM identity” in students to helping learners build confidence, resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, Dr. Berry explains why durable human skills matter now more than ever in an evolving world shaped by technology.

SmartLab is proud to support nearly 700 school districts nationwide with immersive learning environments that empower students to think critically, solve real-world challenges, and discover that they belong, add value, and can master rigorous challenges.

“One of the most important things we can teach students is how to think, question, collaborate, and lead in an AI-powered world.” – Dr. Jennifer Berry

This conversation is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, parents, business leaders, and anyone passionate about preparing the next generation of innovators and changemakers.

Listen to the full episode here: https://hubs.la/Q04jpS-w0

SmartLab is Great Place To Work Certified for 2026!

Certifications are measured in data points. This certification was built by the employees of SmartLab. Every member of our team, from those just getting started to those who have been here for years, answered honestly when asked what it feels like to work here. What they said reflects what we see every day: a group of exceptionally smart people who genuinely care about each other and about the students and schools they wake up to serve.

We are proud of this recognition. We are proud of who we are.

Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04jpmVG0