i-STEM Summer Institutes
What is i-STEM?
i-STEM is a dynamic, 4-day summer professional development program for PK-12 educators in both classroom and informal settings. Focused on project-based, hands-on learning, i-STEM equips educators with practical tools and strategies to integrate STEM effectively into their teaching.
i-STEM 2025 Theme: Building connections in STEM
Discover how to integrate science, technology, engineering and math skills into ANY subject-enhancing engagement for students without overhauling your curriculum.
Participants select a strand based on their interests, receive a kit of instructional materials, and learn how to connect STEM concepts to real-world workforce applications. 2025 Applications Coming February 3, 2025!
Core Mission and Vision
Empowering Idaho educators with STEM knowledge and ready-to-use resources designed to spark student interest at all grade levels, while connecting classrooms to real-world careers.
Registration and Funding
STEM AC is reaching out to businesses throughout the state to sponsor registration fees. We will reach out to you once you are accepted into the program and let you know if your registration fee is covered by a sponsor.
i-STEM has travel and lodging stipends available!
Seeing a workshop that interests you but it’s not near you? We may be able to help! Please reach out to Idaho STEM Action Center at istem@stem.idaho.gov.
Your district may have funds to pay your registration fee to attend STEM AC PD opportunities. Learn more about Title 4 funding here and talk to your local administrator for guidance.
Status: Closed
Application key dates
Application Open: February 3, 2025
Application Close: March 14, 2025
Acceptance confirmed: April 4, 2025
Eligible Applicants: All Idaho educators, formal and informal
Fee: $50
25% discount for group registrations.
PD credit available? Yes
i-STEM Institute Locations
(click on each location for strands)
College of Southern Idaho
June 9-12, 2025
College of Western Idaho
June 10-13, 2025
College of Eastern Idaho
June 10-13, 2025
North Idaho College
June 16-19, 2025
Lewis-Clark State College
June 23-26, 2025
Idaho State University
June 23-26, 2025
Questions? Email istem@stem.idaho.gov
Organized in collaboration with:
Featured Articles
2025 i-STEM Keynote Speakers
Alex Martin is a science-fiction author turned science educator. He created and is the executive director of Sidewalk Science Center (SSC), based along Florida’s Gulf Coast. SSC hosts hundreds of free-to-public programs on street corners, parks, and playgrounds each year, as well as private programs at houses, schools, camps, libraries, and other community organizations. A former museum educator, planetarium director, and middle and high school teacher, Alex has learned how to approach the learning process from all sides, how to reach students of all levels and abilities, and how to increase direct access to educational resources and knowledge.
Joy Robertson, best known as “Teacher Joy,” has dedicated over three decades to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of high-quality learning experiences. For the past 8 years, she has been a passionate STEM presenter, inspiring educators and families through engaging topics like baby STEM, STEM in the garden, classroom inclusion and STEM, STEM magic, coaching inquiry, and STEM PLAY. Her approach integrates purposeful play with hands-on exploration, fostering curiosity and joy in young learners. As an author of the Amazon best-seller How to Teach Joy: A Simple Guide to Nurturing a Child’s Development, Teacher Joy continues to champion the philosophy of ‘Play on purpose’ across the nation, bringing interactive workshops and joyful learning to communities everywhere.
Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors!
The i-STEM Libraries area is a collection of STEM tools, kits, equipment and other resources available for Idaho educators to check out and use in their classrooms or programs – for free!
Visit the i-STEM Libraries page to learn more and access the Online Catalog.
Interested in sponsoring i-STEM by supporting a workshop, being a regional sponsor or adopting a teacher? Contact istem@stem.idaho.gov.