August 12 | Keynote
The Truth About Screentime
In this keynote, we separate fact from fiction while looking at the latest studies on issues such as technology addiction, gaming, cyberbullying, and anxiety. We will explore practical strategies and mindsets for talking with students and promoting healthy digital habits and positive online behavior. You will leave with a toolkit of resources to help you connect with your students and create a healthier and more balanced digital world.
August 13 | Keynote
From Welfare to Ninja Warrior: How love and connection empowers students to achieve big dreams and goals
Sandy was a teacher and coach for 23 years. She is a mother of 3, an inspirational speaker, author of ‘Get Out of the Car’, 9-time competitor on NBC’s hit show American Ninja Warrior and became the 1st mom in the show’s history to finish the course and hit the buzzer. Sandy is a 2-time FINA World Champion, 2-time UNAA World Champion, and World Cup Champion. She has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, CNN Entertainment, E! News, The Huffington Post, and Women’s Health. In 2022 Sandy was inducted into the National Physical Education Teacher Hall of Fame. She is a TEDX speaker, national judo champion and played basketball at Gonzaga University. Sandy continues to coach basketball today with the Spokane Warriors and travels the country speaking and sharing her story.
August 14 | Keynote
Enhancing Neuroplasticity with AI in Learning
At the intersection of artificial intelligence and human learning lies a complex landscape of possibility — where technology is NOT a replacement for thinking, but an opportunity for cognition and learning. Through a neuroscience lens, we’ll challenge how we navigate educational technology, revealing how AI can serve as a companion that activates neural pathways, supports plasticity, and invites students to engage with technology as a collaborative partner. This exploration isn’t about fear or blind enthusiasm, but about thoughtfully designing learning experiences that amplify human potential by understanding the interplay between artificial intelligence and how the human brain learns.
View event schedule and sign up for sessions through Sched using the link below.
AI Expo
We are excited to partner with the NCW Tech Alliance and Apple STEM Network to bring the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Expo back to the STEM Summit!
Sessions topics will include: AI use policies for business school, AI economic impacts, prompt engineering, multimedia creation, entrepreneurship, open-source utilization, data analysis, and more.
The Expo will take place during the STEM Summit on Thursday, August 14, followed by an all conference social (co-sponsored by Native Network)
Keynote: Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad
When Your Grandpa Is a Bot: AI, Death, and Digital Doppelgangers
After his father passed away, Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad brought him back—digitally. To give his young children the experience of knowing their grandfather, he created an artificial intelligence (AI) simulation he called “Grandpa Bot” that could act like his father. As his kids grow up interacting with Grandpa Bot, Ahmad has had to confront firsthand the increasingly blurred lines between what is human and what is code.
In this talk, Ahmad uses his experience to explore how artificial intelligence will transform our society, culture, and relationships. How might AI change what it means to be human? What does it mean to remember a loved one? What is personal identity? Join him for a talk about how technology is shaking up the foundational questions of life.
Early Learning Track (included with STEM Summit)
The Early Learning Track during the 2025 STEM Summit is geared to professionals who work with children birth through third grade. Highlighted speakers and presenters offer expertise in promoting diverse opportunities that are age and developmentally appropriate for young learners. Participants will engage with cutting-edge techniques, idea exchanges, and best practice strategies during this STEM Summit.
STARS and Clock Hours are available to purchase for attending this event.