CREATE’s STEM Educator Workshops and Institutes provide STEM educators with engaging energy lessons, classroom-ready equipment, and a unique hands-on learning experience to take directly back to their students.
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When: June 2-4, 2026
Where: Heartland Community College, Normal, IL
Power Up Your Teaching with Hands-On STEM!
Discover the latest in energy storage systems and electric drive-based technologies (E-Rides) while gaining classroom-ready resources and equipment.
Why Attend?
In just three days, you’ll explore battery technology, E-rides, and modern energy systems through interactive labs and training. Leave with the confidence, tools, and ready-made resources to spark student engagement in STEM. Don’t miss this chance to energize your classroom and bring the future of STEM to your students.
What’s Included?
• Equipment to take back for your class
• Hands-on labs and activities to use immediately
• $500 stipend upon completion
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Breakfast and lunch; needs-based hotel accommodations
For additional information contact Heartland faculty member, Chris Miller at: Chris.Miller@heartland.edu or 309-268-8855.
To register, you can find the application here.
When: June 23-25, 2026
Where: Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro, NC
The NC STEM Educator Energy Institute is a three-day event intended to provide high school and community college STEM faculty with curriculum materials and hands-on experiences that will allow them to incorporate energy education into their classrooms. Participants will learn photovoltaic basics and walk through several lessons from the CREATE catalog with our team of experienced educators. This workshop is perfect for those who want to teach electrical principles or already teach them, particularly in the high school CTE space, physical or environmental sciences, or technical two-year programs.
The Energy Institute Includes:
For additional information and the agenda, visit the Institute website.
To register, you can find the application here.
When: July 7-9, 2026
Where: Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI
The STEM Solar Educator Institute is designed to provide STEM educators with engaging solar energy lessons, classroom-ready equipment, and a unique hands-on learning experience to take back to their students. Funded by the CREATE Energy NSF ATE National Center, these institutes support educators in building confidence and content knowledge in solar technologies, system performance, and energy careers.
During the institute, participants engage in a sequence of hands-on, industry-aligned solar lessons that reflect real-world photovoltaic (PV) systems and practices. Content includes introductory PV system concepts, electrical fundamentals such as volts and amps, safety and commissioning procedures, and system performance analysis. Educators work directly with solar equipment to assemble, test, and commission PV systems while gaining experience with tools used by industry professionals.
In addition to hands-on learning, participants will join a collaborative community of educators to share ideas, discuss classroom implementation, and reflect on lesson outcomes through structured discussions and Q&A sessions. The Institute blends practical instruction, professional collaboration, and authentic energy applications to create a meaningful and transferable learning experience.
STEM educators teaching at the high school and college levels are encouraged to apply.
The Solar Institute Includes:
For additional information and the agenda, visit the Institute website.
To register, you can find the application here.
When: July 21-23, 2026
Where: Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI
The STEM Solar + Storage Institute is designed to provide STEM educators with engaging lessons focused on solar energy and energy storage, classroom-ready equipment, and a unique hands-on learning experience to take back to their students. Funded by the CREATE Energy NSF ATE National Center, this institute supports educators in building confidence and content knowledge in renewable energy systems, grid resilience, and energy careers.
In this Institute you will learn the fundamentals of series and parallel connections for batteries, build a lithium-ion battery with a BMS, understand the function of the charge controller in a solar plus storage system, connect the components of an AC off grid stand-alone system, and use computerized battery analyzers to study lithium-ion battery discharge curves.
All lessons are designed for classroom implementation and can be adapted for high school and introductory college-level STEM courses.
Additional content highlights careers and pathways in the energy and energy storage industries, helping educators connect technical concepts to real-world workforce opportunities.
In addition to hands-on learning, participants will join a collaborative community of educators to share ideas, discuss classroom implementation, and reflect on lesson outcomes through structured discussions and optional Q&A sessions. The Institute blends practical instruction, professional collaboration, and authentic energy applications to create a meaningful and transferable learning experience.
STEM educators teaching at the high school and college levels are encouraged to apply.
The Solar + Storage Institute Includes:
For additional information and the agenda, visit the Institute website.
To register, you can find the application here.
