The 2027 STEAM Leadership Conference at Georgia Tech will provide an inspiring array of experiences to build and engage STEAM leaders on March 5, 2027. We invite you to help lead the conversation by submitting proposals to share your innovative ideas.  

CONFERENCE THEME

STEAM Forward: Inspiring Innovation, Impact, and Possibility

As STEAM education continues to evolve, educators, researchers, artists, industry leaders, and policymakers are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and create meaningful opportunities for all learners. STEAM Forward: Inspiring Innovation, Impact, and Possibility celebrates bold ideas, transformative practices, and collaborative efforts that prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. From artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to creative problem-solving and workforce readiness, this theme invites participants to explore how STEAM education can inspire innovation, expand opportunity, and empower the next generation to lead with purpose and impact. 

We are seeking dynamic proposals that inspire action, showcase innovation, and empower participants to reimagine STEAM education for the future. Whether you are pioneering classroom practices, leveraging emerging technologies, building impactful community partnerships, advancing workforce development, or driving systemic change that prepares students for an evolving world, this is your opportunity to share your work, research, and vision with a diverse community committed to advancing STEAM teaching and learning.

In attending the conference, you can expect to: 

• Be Empowered to design engaging learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and workforce readiness.
• Explore Emerging Innovations in STEAM education, including artificial intelligence, digital tools, and future-focused instructional practices.
• Strengthen Connections among classrooms, communities, higher education, and industry to create meaningful pathways for student success.
• Discover Practical Strategies that connect learning to authentic, real-world challenges and career opportunities.
• Reignite Your Passion for teaching, leading, and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and change-makers.

AUDIENCE

Superintendents, curriculum coordinators, principals, academic coaches, content specialists, teacher leaders, artists, after-school coordinators, informal educators, researchers, curriculum developers, policymakers, industry professionals, higher education faculty, and other professionals interested in advancing STEAM education. 

Faculty engaged in broader impacts, community-engaged scholarship, workforce development, research-practice partnerships, or research-based innovations involving K-12 and higher education are especially encouraged to participate.

DEADLINES

Deadline for proposals: November 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Notification of acceptance: December 18, 2026

*All presenters must register for the conference.

For questions or more information, please email steamleadership@gatech.edu.

Georgia Tech Faculty interested in presenting at the SLC should send an email to Heidi Turcotte at hturcotte3@gatech.edu

SELECTION CRITERIA

Priority will be given to proposals that meet the following criteria:

• Present innovative ideas, practices, research, or partnerships.
• Clearly communicate the session's purpose, outcomes, and key takeaways.
• Provide practical strategies, resources, or tools that participants can implement or adapt within their own settings.
• Align with the conference theme and contribute to advancing STEAM teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate authentic integration of STEAM disciplines, including meaningful incorporation of the arts.
• Foster connections among education, industry, community organizations, higher education, and/or workforce development.
• Encourage active participant engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving.

CONFERENCE TRACKS

Track 1: Advancing Learning Through Innovation and AI​
This track focuses on innovative teaching and learning practices that prepare students for the future. Sessions may explore artificial intelligence in education, emerging technologies, project-based learning, interdisciplinary curriculum design, digital literacy, computational thinking, assessment innovation, and authentic STEAM integration. Educators and leaders will share strategies that foster creativity, critical thinking, and responsible use of technology while enhancing student engagement and achievement.

Track 2: Expanding Impact Through Partnerships and Community Engagement (GIFT/REPST- should consider submitting proposal for this) 
This track highlights the power of collaboration among schools, higher education institutions, community organizations, cultural institutions, nonprofits, and industry partners. Presenters will showcase innovative programs and partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom and provide students with authentic, real-world STEAM experiences.

Track 3: Building Pathways to Careers, Leadership, and Workforce Success
This track explores how STEAM education can prepare learners for success in a rapidly evolving workforce. Sessions will examine workforce development, career-connected learning, entrepreneurship, leadership development, policy initiatives, and research-informed practices that strengthen talent pipelines and support economic growth. Participants will explore strategies for helping learners develop the technical, creative, and professional skills needed in future careers.

SESSION TYPES

Concurrent Session Format (1-2 people presenting on the same topic)
Concurrent Sessions are designed to provide attendees with exposure to multiple perspectives, strategies, and innovations centered on a common theme. Each concurrent session block will feature three presenters sharing a one-hour session, with each presenter allotted 15 minutes to present their work, research, program, or practice.

Presentations will be grouped together based on a shared topic, challenge, or area of focus, creating a cohesive learning experience for attendees. This format allows participants to engage with a variety of approaches and ideas within a single session while fostering connections across related areas of STEAM education.

Fishbowl Discussions (if you have 2-4 people presenting the same proposal) 
A Fishbowl Discussion is an interactive session where a small group discusses a topic while the audience listens. Participants can rotate in and out of the discussion at any time, allowing new perspectives and ideas to be shared. This format encourages active participation, collaboration, and real-time problem-solving.