STEM Forward Announces Excellence in STEM Awards Winners to be recognized at the 22nd Annual sySTEMnow Conference, Focusing on Igniting the Spark and Growing STEM from Curiosity to Career

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – October 16, 2025. STEM Forward is thrilled to announce the 2025 Excellence in STEM Award winners, more commonly known as the Stemmy Awards. Help us congratulate the following:

· Education Category: Pathways High

As a UW-Milwaukee authorized charter school, Pathways High is redefining education through real-world, project-based learning that builds STEM, communication, and problem-solving skills. Serving 155 diverse students from Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs, Pathways offers hands-on experience in coding, robotics, drones, and data analytics using industry tools like the FANUC Robotic Arm and Amatrol Skill Boss. Students earn certifications, college credit, and mentorship from industry leaders. Projects such as converting a motorcycle engine to electric power with Harley-Davidson showcase the school’s innovation. Pathways students graduate confidently, connected, and prepared to lead in STEM careers and higher education.

· Employer Category: Clarios

Clarios’ mission to power the future goes beyond batteries; it includes inspiring the next generation of innovators. Through its STEM outreach group, EXTND (Educate, Expand, Transform, Network, and Develop), Clarios engages students from K–12 to college with real-world STEM experiences and mentorship. In 2025, EXTND reached hundreds of students across Greater Milwaukee through more than 15 events, including Girls in Tech Day, where young women tour labs and meet female engineers, and Engineering Challenge Day at MSOE, featuring hands-on STEM activities led by Clarios volunteers. The group also launched its first sponsorship season with the Milwaukee Robotics Academy and continues to support university students with resume reviews, interview prep, and career insights.

· Partnership Category: Waukesha County Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is a regional leader in STEM education, preparing thousands for careers driving Wisconsin’s innovation economy. With 35+ STEM programs and 2,500 students, nearly one-third of its enrollment, WCTC continues to lead in emerging fields. In 2024, it became Wisconsin’s first two-year college to launch a state-approved AAS in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, addressing a projected 35% job growth rate for AI specialists. WCTC’s 2023 Graduate Success Report shows 95% of STEM graduates employed within six months, earning median salaries of $55K–$80K. Through early pipeline programs like Contrapt Wisconsin and dual enrollment, saving students $1M+ annually, WCTC builds future STEM talent while strengthening Southeast Wisconsin’s economy through innovation, access, and strong industry partnerships. One example is WCTC’s commitment to the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s Schools2Skills™ program. By providing behind-the-scenes tours of companies where students can see advanced technology, robotics, and design in action, WCTC helps broaden awareness of high-demand careers and inspires the next generation of problem solvers.

· Individual Category: Sarah Stelsel

Sarah has led the development of innovative, hands-on STEM programs that connect classroom learning to real-world applications and inspire K–12 students’ curiosity and creativity at the WE Energies STEM Center at MSOE. Her Fab Maker Studio curriculum evolved into the Generac Youth Engineering Design Academy, offering free, multi-session engineering experience. Through strong partnerships with educators, industry, and community organizations, Sarah has expanded equitable access to STEM education and helped the STEM Center reach a record 7,000+ students in 2024–2025. She continues to enhance and diversify programs, from early technology experiences to revitalized initiatives like the NFPA Fluid Power Action Challenge.

We will showcase the 2025 Stemmy Award Winners during our 22nd Annual sySTEMnow Conference, held on Wednesday, October 29th, at The Italian Community Center. Metro Milwaukee’s premier STEM conference brings together business leaders, educators, community members, and government officials to share best practices and lessons learned. This year’s theme, Ignite the Spark: Growing STEM from Curiosity to Career, invites participants to join the discussion on new technology in STEM programming and outreach.

We are pleased to announce our keynote speakers. Dr. Nehemiah Mabry is a structural engineer, award-winning educator, and founder of STEMedia, a groundbreaking platform that fuses STEM, creativity, and culture. Renowned for his dynamic blend of technical expertise and motivational storytelling, Dr. Mabry brings STEM to life in ways that are engaging, relatable, and deeply inspiring. Get ready for an energizing afternoon session that challenges stereotypes, celebrates innovation, and sparks new ideas for making STEM more inclusive and impactful. Attendees will leave motivated to ignite curiosity and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Our morning keynote speaker is Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation. Featured in the award-winning documentary Codegirl, Tara has been recognized by Forbes as “the pioneer empowering the incredible tech girls of the future” and honored by the Discovery Science Channel as its first-ever “CEO Science Super Star Hero.” A global advocate for young changemakers, especially girls, Tara inspires the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders. She will share insights on how to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and empower future STEM leaders to shape a better world.

Join STEM Forward for this premier STEM conference and help celebrate the 2025 Stemmy Award Winners, presented by Dr. Victor Amaya, the President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use. To view a detailed agenda and learn more about the sySTEMnow Conference, visit https://www.stemforward.org/systemnow-conference. Don’t miss out; register for the sySTEMnow Conference today. We encourage you to connect with STEM Forward on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About STEM Forward
STEM Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and metro Milwaukee’s leading STEM education and outreach provider. STEM Forward’s programs, events, and activities inspire local youth to pursue STEM careers and provide a talent pipeline to businesses in southeastern Wisconsin.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.