STEM for Change: Duran Comet Innovators Academy
STEM for Change: Duran Comet Innovators Academy is a partnership between Duran Elementary School and McKenzie’s Adventures that empowers 4th and 5th grade students to explore STEM through hands-on learning and innovation. Using LEGO® SPIKE™ builds, students will develop coding, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while creating solutions to real-world challenges.
STEM for Change: AI + STEM Lab Experience
STEM for Change: AI + STEM Lab Experience is a dynamic partnership with Zenith Prep Academy that introduces students to the exciting world of artificial intelligence, coding, and STEM innovation. Through hands-on challenges and creative problem-solving activities, students will explore emerging technologies while building the skills needed to become future-ready innovators.
Beyond the Game: STEM + AI + Sports
STEM for Change empowers learners to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world challenges and create meaningful impact in their communities. Through hands-on innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration, participants develop the skills needed to drive positive change and build a better future for all.
Current Solutions
STEM for Change: Current Solutions is an immersive 5-day intensive that empowers high school students to tackle real-world challenges facing Southeast Alaska through technology, innovation, and community-centered design. Participants will explore topics such as environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship while developing future-ready skills in STEM, digital storytelling, and problem-solving.
The program culminates in a Creative Pitch Day where students present impactful solutions to community leaders, educators, Elders, and industry partners, while also preparing for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-901) certification.
Current Solutions
STEM for Change: Current Solutions is an immersive 5-day intensive that empowers high school students to tackle real-world challenges facing Southeast Alaska through technology, innovation, and community-centered design. Participants will explore topics such as environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship while developing future-ready skills in STEM, digital storytelling, and problem-solving.
The program culminates in a Creative Pitch Day where students present impactful solutions to community leaders, educators, Elders, and industry partners, while also preparing for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-901) certification.
Aqua: Adobe for Kids Creative Workshop
Aqua-Adobe for Kids is a fun, hands-on creative workshop designed to introduce children to digital creativity through Aqua-Adobe for Kids and Adobe Express.
Participants will explore art, design, and storytelling while developing creativity, confidence, and digital skills in a safe and engaging environment. Hosted by McKenzie's Adventures in partnership with Bed-Stuy N.E.S.T., this interactive experience encourages imagination, self-expression, and meaningful social connections for young learners.
STEM For Change: GATE Innovators Lab
We’re proud to announce a transformative partnership between @mckenziesadventures and the @cjusd_equity to launch the STEM for Change™: GATE Innovators Lab at @thms_tiger❗️
👩🏾🔬Middle school scholars will step into the role of innovators, using AI, creativity, and digital tools to solve real-world challenges in their own communities
From idea → to prototype → to Pitch Day, students will design solutions that matter, build confidence, and discover what’s possible when their voice leads the way.
📅 Kicking off August 25th, we’re ready to make an impact.
Let’s go, #TerraceHills 🔥
Student Azure AI 901 Certification Exams
Earning the AI-901 certification demonstrates a student's understanding of core AI principles and Microsoft's AI ecosystem, providing a strong foundation for advanced technology certifications and future career opportunities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.
Student Azure AI 901 Certification Exams
Earning the AI-901 certification demonstrates a student's understanding of core AI principles and Microsoft's AI ecosystem, providing a strong foundation for advanced technology certifications and future career opportunities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.
Student Azure AI 901 Certification Exams
Earning the AI-901 certification demonstrates a student's understanding of core AI principles and Microsoft's AI ecosystem, providing a strong foundation for advanced technology certifications and future career opportunities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.
L.E.A.D Summit
The LEAD Education Summit is a two-day collaborative summit focused on leadership, innovation, and real-world pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and life.
LEAD is transforming what’s possible in urban and rural education. Join us for an inspiring summit dedicated to empowering educators and shaping the future of learning.
The LEAD Education Summit brings together educators, administrators, counselors, industry partners, and workforce leaders to explore best practices in career and technical education, instructional leadership, and student engagement. Through keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative discussions, LEAD highlights innovative strategies that strengthen education-to-career pipelines and elevate student outcomes
Student Azure AI 901 Certification Exams
Earning the AI-901 certification demonstrates a student's understanding of core AI principles and Microsoft's AI ecosystem, providing a strong foundation for advanced technology certifications and future career opportunities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.
Zenith Prep: Creative Pitch Day (Cohorts 1-4)
Creative Pitch Day is where ideas come to life. Students showcase bold solutions to real-world problems, pitching their concepts to a panel of industry “Creative Sharks” who provide feedback, mentorship, and inspiration. It’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the next generation of changemakers.
We Teach_CS Deep Dives
Coaching Families to Leverage AI & Digital Tools for Student Success is a full‑day, hands-on workshop where leaders explore six focused breakouts designed to strengthen family engagement across AI literacy, internet safety, digital literacy, and storytelling. The agenda blends guided learning, studio work, and peer feedback, supported by twelve editable templates that help leaders build practical, community‑aligned resources grounded in the strengths and needs of Texas families. By the end of the session, participants will have created at least one family‑facing artifact, developed clear messaging to explain AI and technology supports to families, identified key family profiles, and selected a priority implementation strategy. Leaders also leave with a 90‑day action outline and measures of success they can use to launch, refine, and sustain meaningful family engagement efforts in their schools.
The Human Advantage: Empathy, Creativity, and Collaboration in an AI World
Presented by: Yaritza Villalba
Format: Virtual, live collaboration tools enabled for real-time breakout design work
Date: May 21, 2026
Audience: Leaders, instructional coaches, department heads, PTA leaders
Focus: Strengthening interpersonal competencies: empathy, creativity, collaboration, and practical approaches to designing PBL units that leverage AI responsibly.
Deliverables: Digital templates for classroom and district-level PBL units. Draft rubrics foregrounding ethical AI use and culturally responsive assessment.
Monroe One BOCES Model Schools
Calling all PTA members!
Come explore how AI can make learning at home easier, communication clearer, and access more equitable; no tech skills required. In just two hours, you’ll walk away with practical tools, quick demos, and ready‑to‑use ideas for families across your school community.
#SpringCUE 2026
If you are struggling to create culturally relevant activities for your CTE students, this is the session for you! Discover how Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform your Career Technical Education (CTE) program, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among diverse learners, including students with disabilities (SWD), English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLLs). This session explores innovative pedagogical strategies for integrating PBL to engage CTE students of all ages, in real-world challenges while incorporating AI fundamentals to prepare them for the evolving workforce. Learn technology-driven, hands-on learning that bridges gaps in underserved communities and empower students with the skills and confidence to succeed in modern careers.
IST 2026 Keynote - Digital Hustle: Empowering Student Athletes for the Workforce
We’re beyond ecstatic to share that our CEO and Founder will be this year’s Keynote Speaker at the O'Dea High School Annual IST Virtual Conference!
She’s taking the hustle digital and unlocking what’s possible for student‑athletes beyond the court.
🔥 Digital Hustle: Empowering Student Athletes for the Workforce
📅 Feb 6, 2026 | ⏰ 11:30 AM–12:10 PM ET
🎯 FREE at the IST Virtual Conference
We’re diving into digital fluency, AI literacy, and personal branding—because athletic grit deserves career‑ready opportunities.
Tap here to register for free and join us live!
David Olinger, NBCT McKenzie's Adventures LLC
Leading the Charge
Our CEO and Founder, Yaritza Villalba is joining some powerhouse voices in EdTech for “Leading the Charge” On October 22nd 💥
Presented by Follett Software, they’re talking real change, bold leadership, and asking the big question:
Are we leading with intention or just following what’s always been done?
Let’s rethink systems, budgets, and innovation that actually helps kids thrive!
🎯 Don’t miss it: Register Here
MIEE Aotearoa Hui 2025 Keynote
“Beyond Borders: Rewriting Literacy Through Global Connection and Culture in the Age of AI”
In a rapidly evolving digital age, literacy is no longer just about reading and writing, it’s about understanding voices, navigating perspectives, and building cross-cultural bridges. This keynote explores how educators across the globe are redefining literacy by weaving identity, inclusion, and collaboration into the heart of instruction. From storytelling to student-led projects, we’ll examine how culture-driven practices and global exchanges are unlocking creativity, strengthening communities, and preparing learners to thrive in an AI-augmented world. Join us to reimagine what literacy looks like when it is rooted in equity, powered by innovation, and shaped by the voices of students from around the world.
AI Literacy in K–12 Education: A Panel Discussion
Join Yaritza Villalba, Ken Shelton, Holly Clark, Matt Miller and Alana Winnick moderated by David Hotler, for a powerful panel on equity, ethics, and practical strategies in AI education. Hear from leading voices on how to implement AI in K–12 classrooms while staying inclusive, future-ready, and grounded in pedagogy.
AI Literacy for Teachers, Families, and Students
Join Yaritza Villalba to explore how families and educators can collaborate to support AI literacy education at home and school. Learn to engage parents, equip students, and start powerful AI conversations across generations.
Tech Skill Up 2.0 Parent Session
Join Yaritza Villalba for this inspiring panel discussion in collaboration with Access Bank, Nigeria, Fliplearn Kids, isafekids Africa, and Design Goes 2 School.
Nurturing a Creative and Safe Environment for Kids:
Sharing strategies for empowering families and educators through AI ethics, digital access, and safe tech practices for kids throughout Nigeria.
Areas of Focus:
-Cybersecurity
-AI and Education
-Tech Skills for Kids
Let’s build a safer, more creative digital future together. Zoom link shared via social media pages.
Global Hour of Code
Thank you for your interest in having your students participate in the Global Hour of Code presented by McKenzie's Adventures in partnership with Flip Learn Kids (Nigeria) and Coding with Culture. This opportunity is open to all PreK-12 students around the world. Please note that this is an interest form. We will use the information you provide below to share updates and joining details as we approach June 2025. To ensure you receive all correspondence, please add our contact email to your address book.
Expected Launch: August 2025
Event Offering: In person (Nigeria), Virtual Synchronous, Asynchronous
Contact Email: MCKENZIESADVENTURES@GMAIL.COM
Panel: Navigating School Spaces Through a Social Justice Lens
Join our CEO, Yaritza Villalba, live for the Centering Black Children in Education Not Like Us Conference on July 7th at 2pm ET.
Yaritza will be a part of a dynamic panel, sharing ways she continues to empower future-ready students by leveraging technology for global collaboration and project-based learning.
Register for her session here.
Celebrating Global Collaboration and SDGs: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage technology to foster global collaboration among students, particularly those from marginalized communities, while deepening their knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Empowering Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Attendees will learn effective strategies to integrate computational thinking and problem-solving skills into project-based learning, celebrating the unique perspectives and strengths of students of color and those from marginalized communities.
Creating Inclusive and Empowering Learning Environments: Participants will be equipped with the tools and techniques to design inclusive projects that engage diverse learners, fostering an empowering environment where every student, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, can thrive and develop a collaborative, innovative mindset.
eduthemes: Ultimate Teacher PD
Title: Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Talk on Culturally Responsive Teaching
Description: Culturally responsive teaching is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for fostering global collaboration and advancing sustainability through project-based learning. This session dives into practical strategies to move beyond surface-level inclusivity, helping educators design engaging, real-world projects that honor diverse perspectives and equip students with the skills to tackle global challenges. Through thought-provoking discussions and hands-on examples, participants will gain actionable insights to create classrooms where students don’t just learn content specific information, they become problem solvers and drive impact in their own community.