Join us for the 8th Annual STEM Summer Institute, a one-of-a-kind, Montana-made professional learning experience designed for K-12 educators. Leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready resources, and renewed confidence to integrate STEM in ways that are relevant, rigorous, and engaging for students. Engage in breakout sessions and learning experiences of your choice, collaboration with peers, get inspired by our keynote speaker and national and local STEM educators.
This year’s conference offers opportunities for STEM learning across disciplinary lenses and at different grade levels in the following strands:
- Discovering STEM Learning Through Data
- Future of AI and Technology in STEM
- Mathematics: The Language that Powers STEM
- Place-Based & Environmental STEM
- STEM Careers, Pathways, and Industry Connections
You’ll leave the STEM Summer Institute with new resources (including a network of educators), fresh ideas and resources, up to 15 professional development units, and next steps to create powerful, future-ready learning experiences for your students!
General Schedule
(Detailed session schedule available this spring)
August 3-5, 2026
MSU Bozeman, MT
(Detailed session schedule available this spring)
August 3-5, 2026
MSU Bozeman, MT
Monday, August 3, 2026 (12:00 - 5:00pm) - 4 PDUs
12:00-1:30pm Conference Check-in
1:00-5:00pm Best Practices in Data Science Workshops
5:30-7:00pm Welcome Reception
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (8:00 - 4:15pm) - 6 PDUs
8:00-9:00 Check-in, Breakfast, Exhibits Opening
9:00-10:15 Opening and Keynote Presentation
10:15-10:30 Break and transition to breakout sessions
10:30-11:30 Breakout Session 1
11:30-12:45 Lunch and Learn, Exhibitor Visits
12:45-2:45 Breakout Session 2
2:45-3:15 Break and Visit Exhibitors
3:15-4:15 Breakout Session 3
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (8:00 - 3:00pm/3:30pm) 5 PDUs
8:00-8:30 Check-in, Breakfast, Visit Exhibitors
8:30-10:30 Breakout Session 4
10:30-11:00 Break and last chance to visit exhibitors
11:00-12:00 Breakout Session 5
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00 Panel Discussion/Lightning Rounds
2:00-2:15 Break and transition to breakout sessions
2:15-3:15 Breakout Session 6
3:15-3:30 Closing/Depart
12:00-1:30pm Conference Check-in
1:00-5:00pm Best Practices in Data Science Workshops
5:30-7:00pm Welcome Reception
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (8:00 - 4:15pm) - 6 PDUs
8:00-9:00 Check-in, Breakfast, Exhibits Opening
9:00-10:15 Opening and Keynote Presentation
10:15-10:30 Break and transition to breakout sessions
10:30-11:30 Breakout Session 1
11:30-12:45 Lunch and Learn, Exhibitor Visits
12:45-2:45 Breakout Session 2
2:45-3:15 Break and Visit Exhibitors
3:15-4:15 Breakout Session 3
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (8:00 - 3:00pm/3:30pm) 5 PDUs
8:00-8:30 Check-in, Breakfast, Visit Exhibitors
8:30-10:30 Breakout Session 4
10:30-11:00 Break and last chance to visit exhibitors
11:00-12:00 Breakout Session 5
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00 Panel Discussion/Lightning Rounds
2:00-2:15 Break and transition to breakout sessions
2:15-3:15 Breakout Session 6
3:15-3:30 Closing/Depart
REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS
- Early Bird Discount - through March 31, 2026 (15% discount)
- Educators from a School Services of Montana (SSoM) Member District (20% discount promo code: STEM26). Not sure if you’re a member district? Check here: SSoM Members.
- Group Registration - Are you a school or organization registering a group? Use our group registration form (4 participants for the price of 3; a 25% discount): SSI 2026 Group.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
In order to provide scholarship opportunities for the event, the STEM Summer Institute is partnering with Data Science 4 Everyone, a coalition created by the University of Chicago to ensure every K-12 student has the data literacy skills they need for future-ready learning.Funds are available to help educators with a portion of the costs to attend the conference. Our priority is to support Montana educators, specifically classroom teachers. However, we acknowledge that the funding landscape is shifting for many, so we still encourage you to apply for what you need. Please submit your application by April 30, 2026. We will follow up with you on the status and next steps in early May. Please note that scholarships are limited to the funds available and are not guaranteed by completing an application. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected].
In order to provide scholarship opportunities for the event, the STEM Summer Institute is partnering with Data Science 4 Everyone, a coalition created by the University of Chicago to ensure every K-12 student has the data literacy skills they need for future-ready learning.Funds are available to help educators with a portion of the costs to attend the conference. Our priority is to support Montana educators, specifically classroom teachers. However, we acknowledge that the funding landscape is shifting for many, so we still encourage you to apply for what you need. Please submit your application by April 30, 2026. We will follow up with you on the status and next steps in early May. Please note that scholarships are limited to the funds available and are not guaranteed by completing an application. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected].
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
(submission deadline Feb. 27, 2026)
Presenting at the STEM Summer Institute is a fantastic opportunity to share your innovative work, connect with Montana STEM educators from across the state, and contribute to meaningful professional development for K-12 teachers, school leaders, and STEM enthusiasts. Whether you're a classroom teacher, informal educator, researcher, or industry professional, we'd love to hear your ideas!
(submission deadline Feb. 27, 2026)
Presenting at the STEM Summer Institute is a fantastic opportunity to share your innovative work, connect with Montana STEM educators from across the state, and contribute to meaningful professional development for K-12 teachers, school leaders, and STEM enthusiasts. Whether you're a classroom teacher, informal educator, researcher, or industry professional, we'd love to hear your ideas!
EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS
The Montana STEM Summer Institute brings together motivated educators, innovative ideas, and real-world STEM connections—creating an ideal space for exhibitors and sponsors to build relationships and make lasting, mission-aligned impact. Exhibit space is limited (first come, first served).
The Montana STEM Summer Institute brings together motivated educators, innovative ideas, and real-world STEM connections—creating an ideal space for exhibitors and sponsors to build relationships and make lasting, mission-aligned impact. Exhibit space is limited (first come, first served).
LODGING OPTIONS & ROOM BLOCKS
Our Planning Team has secured discounted rates for room blocks at several local hotels.
Our Planning Team has secured discounted rates for room blocks at several local hotels.
OPI RENEWAL UNITS & MSU NON-DEGREE GRAD CREDIT
Participants may earn up to 15 OPI Renewal Units, or 1 Montana State University (Non-Graduate) Academic Credit.
More details coming soon!
Participants may earn up to 15 OPI Renewal Units, or 1 Montana State University (Non-Graduate) Academic Credit.
More details coming soon!
THE MONTANA STEM SUMMER INSTITUTE
is co-hosted by School Services of Montana, Montana State University Science Math Resource Center, Montana Afterschool Alliance, Montana Space Grant Consortium, and Montana STEM Ecosystem
