Name: Building STEM Programs That Last: Lessons Learned from Creating Pathways, Inspiring Students, and Adapting Along the Way
Start: 2026-11-06T04:00:01-0600
End: 2026-11-06T04:00:01-0600

Building STEM Programs That Last: Lessons Learned from Creating Pathways, Inspiring Students, and Adapting Along the Way

Friday November 6, 2026 TBA

My journey into STEM education began long before I became a Senior Principal Systems Engineer. Growing up, navigating college, and during my early years as an engineer, I often found myself trying to figure things out on my own. Access to mentors was limited, career pathways were not always clear, and many opportunities seemed hidden behind barriers that I didn't know how to overcome.

As I established myself professionally, I began reflecting on the challenges that shaped my journey. I realized many students face the same uncertainties today—wondering where to start, what opportunities exist, and whether they belong in STEM fields at all. That realization became the driving force behind my work in STEM education.

My goal has never been to eliminate challenges for students. Challenges are an essential part of learning and growth. My goal has been to ensure students do not have to face those challenges without awareness, opportunity, and support. Through the creation of STEM programs, I have worked to provide students with experiences, mentorship, and exposure to STEM careers that I wish had been available to me when I was younger.

This session will share lessons learned while designing, implementing, growing, and adapting STEM programs over time. Participants will gain practical insights into what it takes to build sustainable programs that remain relevant as technology, student interests, and community needs evolve.

One of the most valuable lessons from this journey has been realizing that student engagement is not static. Early in my STEM outreach efforts, I believed the technologies and projects that excited me would naturally excite students. What I learned instead was that meaningful engagement comes from listening to students, understanding their interests, providing opportunities for ownership and creativity, connecting STEM to real-world challenges, and continuously adapting programs based on feedback and changing needs. Those assumptions continue to evolve today, and that ongoing learning process has fundamentally shaped the programs I build.

Attendees will hear candid stories of successes, failures, unexpected outcomes, and program pivots that ultimately led to stronger student experiences and greater impact.

More importantly, they will leave with practical strategies and lessons that can be applied immediately within their own STEM initiatives.

Presenters

Mandy Dodd

Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Collins Aerospace

Mandy Dodd is a Senior Principal Systems Engineer and project engineering leader at Collins Aerospace, specializing in avionics systems, AFDX technologies, and certification across multiple global regulatory agencies. She brings more than 17 years of engineering and technical program... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 TBA

20-Minute

Subject Career Connected Learning
Audience Administrators, Elementary Educators, Business/Community, Post Secondary Educators, Secondary Educators

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Iowa STEM Summit 2026

Mandy Dodd

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Iowa STEM Summit 2026

Mandy Dodd

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