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Welcome to STEM for Change where you’ll build confidence, gain career‑ready skills, and create real‑world solutions that make an impact in your community and beyond.

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Build Confidence

Present real prototypes and pitch with power.

Three young students, two boys and a girl, sitting at a table with a laptop and exam vouchers in a computer lab. The boy on the left is wearing a blue sports shirt with the number 1, the girl in the middle is in a yellow shirt, and the boy on the right is in an orange shirt holding Microsoft certification vouchers. The background includes circuit diagrams and server racks. The text above reads 'Learn New Approaches' along with icons of a brain and shield with a lock.

Learn New Approaches

Explore Copilot, AI‑900, and SC‑900 fundamentals.

Three young people sitting at a table with laptops, one showing a smartphone app, in front of a digital background with the text 'Gain Practical Tools' and 'Build Digital Portfolios'.

Gain Practical Tools

Build a portfolio employers can actually use.

What’s Included

A 8‑week, project‑based workforce development experience that blends industry certification pathways in AI and cybersecurity with hands‑on digital portfolio creation using Adobe Express. Students build career‑ready skills through real‑world challenges, mentorship, and a capstone pitch that showcases their learning and impact.

  • What you’ll do each week—simple, structured, and action‑oriented.

    • Week 1 — Kickoff & SDG Selection: Choose an SDG that matters to your community, set goals, and start your Adobe Express portfolio.

    • Week 2 — Digital Foundations: Explore AI or cybersecurity fundamentals, establish your brand (logo, color palette), and build your portfolio homepage.

    • Week 3 — Research & Concept Development: Investigate local challenges, gather evidence, and draft prototype sketches with a clear problem/solution fit.

    • Week 4 — Tech Integration: Apply AI insights and cybersecurity basics to your idea; add reflections and evidence of learning to your portfolio.

    • Weeks 5 & 6 — Prototype & Branding: Finalize prototype details, create branded visuals and an athletic‑style slide deck in Adobe Express, and get peer feedback.

    • Weeks 7 & 8 — Showcase & Pitch: Present your work (portfolio + slide deck), highlight SDG alignment and certifications, and field questions from reviewers.

  • Turn learning into credentials and capabilities employers recognize.

    • CDOS‑Aligned Skills: Career exploration, integrated learning, problem‑solving, collaboration, communication, professionalism, and tech fluency—practiced weekly and demonstrated in your portfolio.

    • Certification Pathways:

      • Azure AI Fundamentals (AI‑900): key concepts in AI, machine learning, and responsible AI.

      • Security Fundamentals (SC‑900): core cybersecurity, identity, and compliance concepts.

    • Show What You Know: Add badges, reflections, and artifacts to your Adobe Express portfolio to evidence skills, growth, and readiness for next steps.

  • Everything you need to build, brand, and present your solution.

    • Adobe Express Portfolio Kit: guided sections for bio, SDG impact, research notes, prototype images, branding assets, and final pitch uploads.

    • Microsoft Teams Workspace: live sessions, breakouts, Q&A, and presentation tools to collaborate and practice.

    • Prototype & Branding Templates: prompts, design briefs, and slide deck templates tailored for athletic storytelling and community impact.

    • Clear Rubrics & Checklists: weekly criteria (participation, research depth, prototype quality, portfolio completeness, presentation delivery) to keep you on track.

Four students sitting at a table in a classroom with laptops, discussing a presentation on Adobe Express. A large screen behind them displays the Adobe Express logo and graphic design elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • STEM for Change is designed for middle school and high school students, especially student‑athletes, who are interested in STEM, technology, creativity, and building real‑world career skills.

  • The course runs for 8-12 weeks, with guided learning, hands‑on projects, and weekly deliverables designed to be manageable alongside school and athletic schedules.

  • No prior experience is required. The course is built to support beginners while also providing meaningful challenges for students with prior exposure to STEM or technology tools.

  • Students will need:

    • A device with internet access

    • A school or personal email address

    • Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try new things

    All required tools and platforms are introduced during the course.

  • By the end of STEM for Change, participants will complete:

    • A digital workforce portfolio built in Adobe Express

    • A community‑impact prototype aligned to a UN Sustainable Development Goal

    • A final presentation or pitch showcasing their work and learning

    • Progress toward or completion of an industry‑recognized certification pathway

  • Students will use:

    • Adobe Express for digital portfolios and branding

    • Microsoft tools (including Copilot, Teams, and Microsoft Learn)

    • Guided resources for AI and cybersecurity fundamentals

    All tools are introduced step‑by‑step during the course.

  • The course strengthens:

    • Digital portfolios for internships, college, or career exploration

    • Presentation and communication skills

    • Real‑world problem‑solving and innovation experience

    • Confidence in navigating technology‑driven career pathways

  • Participants receive:

    • Guidance from trained facilitators or coaches

    • Clear weekly instructions and rubrics

    • Feedback on portfolios, prototypes, and presentations

    • Access to resources and help throughout the program