For over 40 years, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) has supported the brightest minds in STEM, with its Astronaut Scholars making groundbreaking contributions—from launching payloads into space to pioneering agricultural innovations and advancing congenital heart disease research. The prestigious Astronaut Scholarship is known nationwide for being among the largest merit-based monetary scholarships awarded to college level STEM juniors and seniors. ASF has a life-long relationship with each Astronaut Scholar and provides them with mentors, professional and personal development and networking with astronauts, C-suite level executives and industry leaders to help advance their careers.

Started by members of the Mercury Seven, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $10 million in scholarships to over 850 students.

What makes this scholarship truly special is its mentorship component: every Astronaut Scholar is paired with a mentor who guides their academic and professional growth. Now, in a full-circle moment, former Astronaut Scholars who once benefited from this mentorship are paying it forward as mentors themselves.

Tomas Collado is a 2024 Astronaut Scholar from Washington University in St. Louis studying mechanical engineering. His mentor Adero Paige is a 2004 Astronaut Scholar Alum who now also serves on ASF’s Board of Directors. Their stories illustrate the lasting impact of mentorship and the power of investing in the next generation of STEM leaders.

Connect with The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation:

• Website: astronautscholarship.org
• YouTube: @astroscholarfdn
• Instagram: @astronautscholarfdn

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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When so many coding resources are just digital, it's great to see new resources that combine hands-on learning with on-screen coding.

Codie Blocks is a learning tool that brings the foundations of coding to children ages 3 to 7. Through a unique storytelling component with hands-on, block-based coding, Codie Blocks makes complex concepts approachable, fun, and developmentally appropriate.

Featuring the Mia & Codie series as seen on PBS member stations, Codie Blocks introduces characters and scenarios that help children build their skills as they think through situations in their everyday lives. The new Codie Blocks Block Dock brings coding to life for young learners through hands-on, screen-enhanced play. Designed for classrooms and homes, the Block Dock integrates seamlessly with the Codie Blocks App, pairing with lesson plans, activities, and interactive storytelling for a complete coding experience.

Caroline Rosenbloom is a Curriculum/Brand Ambassador at Codie Blocks, as well as a successful Principal and Instructional Leader in Canada.

Connect with Codie Blocks:

• Website: codieblocks.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCYSMmfIRgixy7SPxkijZuZA
• Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570616856924

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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When can we begin teaching kids about coding and computer science? If you were to walk into Allen Tsui's classrooms, you'd see kids as young as 3 understanding and working with code. How can you start? Allen has some great ideas, and it just takes trying!

Allen Tsui is a Subject Specialist in Computing at Willow Brook Primary School Academy in London, UK. He has been the subject leader for Computing since September 2020 and specializes in teaching Computing to children as young as aged 3 (Nursery and Early Years) to 11 year olds (Year 6). Since September 2023, Allen has been on the path of the MA in STEM Education at King's College London, where he has been tasked with supporting a small group of GCSE as well as A-Level Computer Science students prepare for their examinations.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Intelino coding train sets intelino.com

Coding resources Scratch and Code.org

Robotical Marty robots robotical.io

Connect with Allen:

• Twitter/X: @tsuiallen
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allen-tsui-19b61623a/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Schools have two choices: innovate or fall behind.

Steven Iglesias, the Director of Innovation & Technology, and self proclaimed educational disruptor, has been building a revolutionary STEM and technology program for kids at Doral Academy Preparatory School in Miami, FL.

"I never set out to be in education—it happened by accident. I began my career as a baseball coach and a security guard. Next, I transitioned into teaching and later became an administrator. But technology? That was different. My eyes were opened to the power of exponential technologies, and I realized I had a passion for helping students and educators navigate a rapidly evolving world.

"Since then, I’ve built robotics and engineering, computer science, social media, biomedical engineering, video game and esports design, cybersecurity, and AI programs—not just to keep up with the future, but to help students create it. I’ve designed innovation centers and hands-on learning spaces, ensuring that schools don’t just teach about technology but immerse students in real-world applications. And along the way, I’ve helped teams win at the highest levels, including as an XPRIZE Connect finalist and winner.

"The world is changing fast. I’m here to make sure education isn’t left behind."

Connect with Steve:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-iglesias-244b9199/
• Twitter/X: @stevo2113

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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CYBER.ORG is a cybersecurity workforce development organization advancing K-12 cybersecurity education nationwide through no-cost curriculum and teacher professional development resources. Supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency through the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP) grant. CYBER.ORG provides educators and caregivers with resources and training to teach cybersecurity education to K-12 students nationwide. Today, over 30,000 teachers across all 50 states and four U.S. territories are enrolled in the CYBER.ORG’s content platform.

Dr. Laurie Salvail serves as the Executive Director of CYBER.ORG, the Academic Division of the Cyber Innovation Center. Laurie leads the CYBER.ORG team as they seek to bring cyber education to K-12 teachers. She has over 12 years of classroom experience and has a PhD in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University. On this episode, Laurie shares how schools and educators nationwide are currently incorporating cybersecurity education into K-12 classrooms, ideas and resources for incorporating it into your school, and how this ultimately will address the growing need for skilled cyber professionals.

Be sure to check out CYBER Range, or find lessons about coding, encryption, & more!

(learn more about Cyber.org on Ep 230

Connect with Laurie & Cyber.org:

• Website: CYBER.ORG
• Info about Cyber EdCon in Chicago
• Career profiles and cards
• Twitter/X: @cyber_dot_org

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and there is a growing interconnection of robotics in CTE curriculums (and vice versa) happening in education.

With a teaching background and a journey spanning two decades, Jason McKenna is the Vice President of Global Educational Strategy for VEX Robotics, a published author, and an experienced educator. His book, "What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom," has become an important resource for educators navigating the world of STEM.

In his role at VEX Robotics, Jason oversees curriculum development and classroom integration for a wide range of platforms

Jason's current role keeps him in constant dialogue with global stakeholders in education – from parents to educators, and policymakers. This enables him to understand and address the challenges of preparing students for a knowledge-based 21st-century economy.

Learn more from Jason on Ep 241

Connect with Jason:

• Vex website: vexrobotics.com
• Jason's website: jmckenna.org
• Twitter/X: @Mckenna72
• Book: What STEM Can Do

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Matt (AKA Mister Marx) is the creator of the Mister Marx Math Adventures series on YouTube and the founder of dodat.ai, a social media platform aimed at fostering community among educators, parents, and learners of all ages.

As an educator, Mister Marx enjoys the challenge that comes with breaking down complex topics for learners. His videos on YouTube, using eGlass technology, make learning accessible and understandable for anyone looking to understand math from a real person.

And recently, Mister Marx was selected as a contestant in Daymond John of Shark Tank's 'Entrepreneur of Impact' competition. Learn more about it at entrepreneurofimpact.org/2025/matthew-marx

Connect with Mister Marx:

• Website: mistermarx.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@mistermarx
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mister-marx

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Jason Erdreich is an educational leader, patented inventor, author, and all around tinkerer and maker of things. With professional teaching experience in K-12, University, and adult learning environments, Mr.E has guided thousands of students of all ages in learning how to solve problems while using technology as a tool to facilitate creation, innovation, and success. Jason's courses have ranged from technical drawing, product design, CAD, biotechnology, manufacturing, materials processing, electronics, robotics, computer science, multimedia, video production, graphic design, and more.

Jason works with schools, universities, companies, and individuals to develop exciting learning environments that are engaging and accessible for students everywhere. As an educational consultant, Jason specializes in training teachers on crucial topics like design thinking, problem-based learning, and empathy in education, in addition to specialized training on machinery or with various software solutions.
And be sure to check out Jason's EXTENSIVE list of resources for educators and makers alike: mrerdreich.com/resources

In 2024, Jason released the book Taking Tinkercad to the Next Level. This comprehensive guide explores Tinkercad’s 3D design features to equip anyone with the skills to harness its full potential. This comprehensive guide explores Tinkercad’s 3D design features, and offers an accessible, yet thorough approach to mastering Tinkercad for users of all levels.

Connect with Jason:

• Website: mrerdreich.com
• Twitter/X: @mrerdreich
• Instagram: @mrerdreich
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCHz6blM_qvLucfypLeHMDqg
• Get a copy of Jason's book Taking Tinkercad to the Next Level

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show