Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach
Spark! PK-12Offering immersive STEM and engineering experiences that engage, inspire, and empower learners and educators
About Spark!
The Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach and Renewable Clean Energies and Nuclear Technologies Workforce Development programs are dedicated to offering STEM education programming to both students and educators. From inspiring summer camps and immersive workshops to engaging outreach events, these opportunities empower students and educators to explore the world of engineering and STEM. Participate in hands-on experiences and connect with leading faculty and peers through programs designed to spark curiosity and build lifelong skills in science, technology and education!
Spark! Programming
InventEd Regional Summit
The InventEd Regional Summit brings together K–12 STEM thought leaders, Texas A&M faculty, out-of-school time providers, and industry and community partners to collaboratively imagine and shape the future of invention education in Texas. Participants will engage in conversations around how we can inspire young people to think creatively, solve authentic problems, and develop solutions.
Maker U Professional Development
Texas A&M University’s PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach office offers Maker U Professional Development via our engineering design programming and engineering technology courses. In addition, educators learn practical applications for integrating engineering and technology into their classrooms, enhancing STEM education.
Enrichment Experiences in Engineering (E3)
E3 is a three-week summer residential engineering research experience for secondary math, science and career and technical education teachers. It offers teachers an immersive lab experience, introduces and expands their understanding of the engineering design process, enhances laboratory skills and techniques and excites teachers about engineering careers.
School and PK-12 Educator Opportunities
Professional development experiences that help educators strengthen STEM instruction, earn professional development credit, and bring innovative engineering and technology practices into their classrooms. Through programs such as the InventEd Regional Summit, Maker U Professional Development, and Enrichment Experiences in Engineering (E3), educators engage with STEM leaders, university faculty, industry partners, and hands-on research experiences to deepen their understanding of engineering design, foster creativity and problem-solving, enhance laboratory and technology skills, and inspire students to explore engineering and STEM career pathways.
School and Educator Opportunities
Student Engagement Opportunities
Student engagement opportunities provide year-round STEM experiences designed to inspire and prepare students from pre-kindergarten through high school. Programs include hands-on classroom activities in coding, robotics, and engineering design; invention and innovation competitions; science and engineering fairs; intensive team-based design challenges; aerospace exploration experiences in partnership with NASA; and advanced manufacturing career awareness initiatives. These opportunities help students build creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills while exploring pathways to future careers in engineering, science, technology, and manufacturing.