An 8- 12 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.

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

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

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

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

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

    • 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‑901): 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.

Three young students, two boys and one girl, sit at a table with a laptop, holding Microsoft certification exam vouchers, smiling and looking at the screen. The background features a high-tech setting with digital icons and a circuit diagram, and the text 'Learn New Approaches' is displayed at the top.

High School & Middle School Edition

Elementary Edition

STEM for Change empowers elementary students to become problem‑solvers by applying STEM, design thinking, and creativity to real‑world challenges connected to their schools and communities.
Through solutions‑based project‑based learning aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students design, build, and share meaningful projects that develop confidence, curiosity, and early digital skills.

NEW

  • 1. Discover & Explore

    • What is STEM and how does it connect to the real world?

    • Identify challenges in the school, neighborhood, or community

    • Introduction to design thinking:

      • Empathize

      • Imagine

      • Create

      • Improve

    2. Research & Investigate

    • Learn about the selected problem and who it impacts

    • Explore relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals at an elementary level

    • Ask questions, gather information, and study real‑world examples

    3. Design & Build

    • Sketch ideas and plan solutions

    • Build hands‑on prototypes using classroom and maker‑space materials

    • Use digital tools to design visuals, models, or simple app concepts

    4. Test, Reflect & Improve

    • Test solutions and gather feedback

    • Reflect on what worked and what could improve

    • Iterate designs to strengthen impact

    5. Share & Celebrate

    • Create a simple digital portfolio to showcase learning

    • Present solutions through showcases, presentations, or exhibitions

    • Connect learning to future STEM exploration and pathways

  • Student Tools

    • Hands‑on maker materials (cardboard, reuseables, basic tools)

    • Digital creation tools (graphics, presentations, simple design platforms)

    • Guided reflection and portfolio templates

    Educator Support

    • Reusable lesson guides aligned to PBL and STEM standards

    • Step‑by‑step project templates and rubrics

    • Professional development for teachers and families

    • Support for running sustainable STEM cycles year after year

    Program Resources

    • UN Sustainable Development Goals student‑friendly framework

    • Project planning and reflection tools

    • Adobe Express for Education Digital portfolio structures students can build on over time

  • Students develop foundational skills that support long‑term success in STEM, school, and life:

    • Problem‑solving and critical thinking

    • Creativity and innovation

    • Collaboration and teamwork

    • Communication and presentation skills

    • Early digital fluency

    • Design thinking and iteration

    • Empathy and community awareness

    • Confidence in sharing ideas and solutions

Learn more
Learn more

Explore Our Memberships

Access for All Tier (Basic)
$450.00
One time

A foundational package focused on essential STEM experiences and equitable access. Core 8‑week program- Asynchronous/ Independent Work

✓ Foundational STEM & Digital Fluency Skills
✓ Equitable Access to High‑Quality Learning
✓ Turnkey, Easy‑to‑Implement Curriculum
✓ Community‑Centered STEM Challenges
Change Makers Tier (Pro)
$800.00
One time
$400.00
For 2 months

A premium plan with full program delivery, advanced STEM modules, community partnerships, or educator training. Full program + showcase + educator PD

✓ Full Program Delivery by Expert Facilitators
✓ Advanced STEM Modules
✓ Community Partnership Integration
✓ Educator Training & Professional Learning

Popular

Signature Pathway
$40,000.00
For 2 months

STEM for Change: Signature Pathway A semester‑ or year‑long AI and STEM workforce pathway designed to support district goals in innovation, access for all, and community impact. Pricing varies based on scope, cohort size, educator involvement, and certification integration. STEM for Change Program Options Foundations Cohort (10 weeks): $40,000 Signature Pathway (Semester/Year): $40,000–$70,000 Final pricing determined by cohort size, duration, and level of district partnership.

✓ Multiple student cohorts or sections
✓ Full Azure AI Fundamentals (AI‑900) certification prep cycle
✓ Educator co‑learning or professional learning sessions
✓ District‑friendly outcome reporting and impact summary
✓ Community or district showcase event

Meet the Facilitators

  • A woman smiling with long black hair, wearing a pink blazer and white top, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Yaritza Villalba

    CEO & FOUNDER + PBL SPECIALIST

    Global Team

    Yaritza Villalba is the CEO and Founder of McKenzie’s Adventures LLC and the creator of STEM for Change. A former New York teacher and administrator, she is now a global Microsoft educator and trainer who designs and leads PBL initiatives across six continents, reaching over 20,000 students worldwide. She is an award‑winning consultant and author committed to expanding access and meaningful learning opportunities for diverse learners.

  • Close-up of a woman with light brown hair and green eyes smiling, wearing a green hoodie.

    Dr. Stephanie Holmes

    CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & AI SPECIALIST

    USA & Global Team

    Dr. Stephanie Holmes is an innovative educator with 18 years of experience, including 11 years as a school leader in New York City. In 2013, she co-founded a transfer high school to support over-aged and under-credited students, reflecting her deep commitment to equity and access in education. A lifelong learner, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from The Sage Colleges, focusing her research on instructional practices for trauma-impacted students and integrating social-emotional learning with rigorous instruction.

  • Woman with long, curly, orange-brown hair taking a selfie at an indoor event or trade show.

    Ella Gozie- Iwudoh

    STRATEGIC GROWTH & PARTNERSHIPS + STEM SPECIALIST

    Nigeria Team

    Ella Gozie Iwudoh is a dynamic STEM Specialist and Director of Learning at FlipLearn Kids, where she leads innovative work exploring how technology, AR/VR, and creative design are reshaping classrooms across Nigeria. She is recognized for her leadership in expanding access to digital tools, elevating culturally relevant STEM education, and championing equitable learning opportunities for diverse families. Passionate about empowering the next generation, Ella offers bold guidance for young girls in STEM and advances strategies that open pathways for women of color in tech.

  • A confident middle-aged man with brown hair and a beard, dressed in a dark suit and blue tie, standing with crossed arms in a modern office with large windows and minimalistic decor.

    Dr. Michael Harvey

    GLOBAL EDTECH & AI SPECIALIST

    New Zealand & Global Team

    Dr. Michael Harvey is an Innovative Senior Science Teacher at Lytton High School (Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand), where he supports teachers to translate emerging technologies into practical, high-impact classroom practice. With a background in science and physics teaching, he specializes in helping teachers design learning that strengthens student thinking, agency, and metacognition especially in AI-rich environments.

  • Young woman smiling, wearing black outfit and gold jewelry, standing in front of a city skyline at night with tall illuminated buildings.

    Jennifer Peoples

    CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION SPECIALIST

    USA Team

    Jennifer Peoples‍ is a Cybersecurity Specialist whose journey reflects resilience and purpose. Growing up in the foster care system and later serving as a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, she overcame significant challenges to pursue success in technology. Her experiences shaped a deep commitment to creating access and opportunity through tech.

  • A woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a dark blazer over a colorful graphic T-shirt, smiling while seated against a light-colored background.

    Confidence Osein

    DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP & CYBER SAFETY TECH EDUCATOR

    Nigeria Team

    Confidence Osein is a leading Digital Citizenship and Cyber Safety Tech Educator and the founder of Internet Safe Kids Africa, an initiative dedicated to empowering young people, families, and educators with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. As a passionate Trust & Safety specialist, Responsible Tech advocate, and AI Ethics champion, she works at the intersection of technology, education, and child online protection.

Your Questions, Answered

  • 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 (Depends on tier selected)

    • Clear weekly instructions and rubrics

    • Feedback on portfolios, prototypes, and presentations

    • Access to resources and help throughout the program