The goal was simple, but strong: “Lead by doing.”
That was what a Regional Opportunity Initiatives STEM Fellow wrote down during the two-day kickoff of the 2026-2027 Fellowship.
That sentiment was echoed by another Fellow, who reflected on the kickoff and the lasting impact they hope the Fellowship will have on their work:
“Today’s experience was helpful in opening my eyes to unique career opportunities in the Indiana Uplands. I’m most excited about exploring those connections to community more and sharing with my colleagues.”
Those reflections capture the spirit of this year’s cohort of educators, which gathered at WestGate Academy for a two-day kickoff focused on leadership, innovation, and connecting classroom learning to real-world career opportunities across the Indiana Uplands.
Fifteen elementary educators began a year of exploration, connection, and discovery during the program’s two-day kickoff alongside three returning Fellows with a new title: STEM Fellowship Mentors. Their journey began by learning about each other and what to expect in their fellowship. Fellows explored the region’s key industry sectors and heard from Dr. Sandy Zehr of NSWC Crane about the importance of STEM education, particularly at the elementary level, and the innovative work taking place at Crane.
Participants also took part in Operation Harbor Rescue, a microelectronics activity led by ROI MOMENTUM, a microelectronics workforce development program, where they programmed Ozobots and explored hands-on STEM applications they can bring back to their classrooms.
The second day included a tour of NSWC Crane, providing Fellows with firsthand exposure to technologies and careers that are shaping the region’s future. One of the most memorable stops was the optics lab, where educators learned how advanced imaging technology is used to solve complex problems. Fellows were especially intrigued by a demonstration showing how a camera could track birds in flight from a considerable distance.
The kickoff concluded with engineering design thinking activities, including an Engineering Design Process challenge and a paper bridge-building challenge that sparked collaboration, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving.
Feedback from participants reflected the enthusiasm and impact of the experience, with the vast majority indicating they were leaving with ideas and strategies they could implement in their classrooms right away as the school year begins.
“People seemed genuinely excited and curious from the start. There was a lot of engagement and thoughtful discussion throughout both days,” said ROI STEM Specialist Cliff Marr.
“The vast majority of Fellows said they were leaving with something they could implement in their classrooms right away.”
In September, the cohort will visit GM Bedford and take on a larger engineering design challenge as they continue their Fellowship journey.