Alamo STEM Ecosystem’s 2025 Educator Conference: The Joy of STEM
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Alamo STEM Ecosystem (ASE) hosted the 2025 Alamo STEM Ecosystem Educator Conference: The Joy of STEM: Collaboration, Innovation & Celebration at the UTSA Main Campus. This free event, made possible through the generosity of the UTSA College of Education and Human Development and various ASE partners and sponsors, brought together educators, innovators, and STEM leaders to explore the joy of STEM education through collaboration and innovation.
Fostering Joy and Humanity in STEM
This year’s conference theme emphasized joy and collective humanity in STEM engagement. Educators and presenters addressed questions such as:
- What brings joy in STEM collaboration?
- How can innovative approaches connect STEM to students’ humanity?
- How can we create a more joyous and inclusive STEM field?
Through insightful discussions and hands-on activities, participants explored how to cultivate engaging and meaningful STEM experiences for all students, especially those who may not yet see themselves in STEM fields.
Applied ESTEAM: 13 Activities to Grow Entrepreneurial Mindsets
VentureLab facilitated a conference workshop for San Antonio educators: ESTEAM (STEM + Arts + Entrepreneurship) - 13 Activities to Grow Entrepreneurial Mindsets. This interactive workshop, facilitated by VentureLab Certified Educator Jeremy Manginell of SAYouth, and Scott Mann, VentureLab’s Director of Education, showcased how STEM and the Arts come to life through entrepreneurial learning. Participants engaged in a series of hands-on activities designed to inspire joy and collaboration while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among K-12 students.
Jeremy shared the important role the VentureLab team and programming have played in increasing the confidence of his students.
“Kids are building the greatest product of all, themselves.”
Workshop Highlights
- Interactive Session: Participants started with VentureLab’s entrepreneurial mindset card challenges.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Discussion: Understanding entrepreneurship beyond business and its role in student success.
- Applied Learning: Participants engaged with one of 13 STEM-based activities that encouraged problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
Takeaways: Attendees received a digital packet with all 13 engagement activities, a structured session outline, a planning worksheet, and an entrepreneurial mindset resource guide. VentureLab also offered a follow-up technical assistance call for further support.
Biggest takeaways from participants
Check out the no-cost resources shared during the workshop!
About the Facilitator
Jeremy Manginell, a VentureLab Certified Educator and Director of Secondary Programming at SAYouth, brought a wealth of experience in curriculum development and student support. Since moving to San Antonio in 2019, he has worked with students facing various challenges, helping them achieve academic success through innovative and student-centered approaches.
Celebrating STEM Education
The 2025 Alamo STEM Ecosystem Educator Conference was an inspiring event filled with innovative ideas and collaborative opportunities. Whether you are an educator, administrator, or STEM advocate, this conference provided valuable insights and resources to bring the joy of STEM to your students. Visit The Alamo STEM Ecosystem Conference page to stay up to date on future professional development opportunities in San Antonio.
