From the moment I attended my first education conference, I realized how powerful it is to learn alongside other practitioners. But I also discovered something even more impactful than attending a conference: presenting at one.

The 2026 Ohio STEM Innovation Summit, hosted by the Ohio STEM Learning Network on June 9, 2026, is built around the theme Unlocking Possibility. This theme is an invitation—and a challenge—for educators to illuminate new ideas, spark curiosity, and expand what’s possible for STEM learning across Ohio. There is no better place to do that than by sharing your own classroom-tested practices with peers from across the state.

Why Present at the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit?

The most powerful Summit sessions are led by practitioners—educators and leaders who are doing the work every day. These sessions are rich with real stories, authentic challenges, and strategies that have proven successful with students. When educators present, they don’t just share information; they help unlock possibility for others.

As a presenter, you help:

Illuminate what works in real classrooms and schools

Spark curiosity through hands-on, interactive learning experiences

Strengthen Ohio’s STEM community by sharing practical strategies others can immediately apply

Presenting is also a powerful professional growth opportunity. The process of developing a session proposal requires reflection: Why does this strategy matter? Who does it serve? How does it remove barriers or create new opportunities for learners? These are the same skills educators use when advocating for programs, funding, partnerships, and innovation within their own schools.

Designing a Meaningful Session

Strong Summit sessions start with a clear goal for participants:

What do you want them to understand, try, or rethink?

How will your session help them unlock new possibilities for their students?

At the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit, sessions are designed as experiences, not lectures. Depending on your message, you might:

Model a hands-on lesson or Learning Lab and have participants experience it as learners

Share an innovative practice or research-informed approach with clear classroom implications

Highlight a tool or strategy that participants can explore, discuss, and adapt

The goal is always the same: make learning engaging, relevant, and immediately useful.

Aligning with Ohio’s Vision for STEM

The Summit’s focus areas align with Ohio’s Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Education, including:

Building inclusive STEM cultures

Interdisciplinary and problem-based learning

Computational thinking and technology integration

Career pathways and community partnerships

Sharing your work supports not only your peers, but also the broader STEM and STEAM designation goals across the state. The Ohio STEM Innovation Summit is a space where educators collectively shine a light on effective practices and learn from one another.

Presenter Support: You’re Not Doing This Alone

New in 2026, OSLN is investing deeply in presenter success. Accepted presenters receive:

Presenter training materials and best practices

A branded presentation template

A 1:1 presenter prep session with an OSLN expert

On-site technical and event support

Complimentary Summit registration (limited and non-transferable)

These supports ensure presenters feel confident, prepared, and focused on what matters most: delivering a meaningful experience for attendees.

Unlock Possibility—Together

When educators share their ideas, strategies, and stories, curiosity becomes the catalyst for change. The Ohio STEM Innovation Summit is where those ideas come together—lighting the way for classrooms, schools, and communities across Ohio.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your work is “worth sharing,” the answer is yes. Your experience could be the key that unlocks possibility for another educator—and for their students.

Applications to present close February 3, 2026.
Selected presenters will be notified in March 2026.

Join us on June 9, 2026, as we come together to Unlock Possibility at the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit.