Skip to main content

Next Gem Innovators (DRSC)

Provided By
Dayton Regional STEM Center
Three participants interact with a robotic arm

Next Gem Innovators (NGI) brings together educators to learn about the tools, resources, and connections needed to deliver dynamic, real-world learning experiences that inspire future innovators. NGI fosters collaboration between educators, industry professionals, districts, and communities to shape the future of STEM education.

Logic Model

Program Activities

Educators

Learn about STEM careers and the pathways to those careers by connecting with STEM industry professionals 

Develop curriculum and PD sessions 

Collaborate with other educators and STEM leaders

Program Near-Term Outcomes

Educators

Gain awareness of DoW STEM careers​ 

Increase their ability to teach STEM concepts​ 

Become part of a STEM-focused professional learning community

DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

Educators

Changes in teacher approaches to teaching about STEM concepts, practices, and careers in their classrooms 

Increased student interest and engagement in STEM (formal and informal) 

Increased participant STEM competencies (STEM skills, knowledge, abilities, and confidence)

Participant Perspectives

Participant perspectives reflect survey responses from 2025-2026, the first year of survey administration.

Of 27 educator participants, 21 responded to the survey.

Educators

  • Disagree
  • Slightly Agree
  • Moderately Agree
  • Strongly Agree
The Next Gem Innovators increased knowledge of the principles of STEM education.
n = 21 valid responses
The Next Gem Innovators increased ability to plan lessons and student learning opportunities that incorporate the principles of STEM.
n = 21 valid responses
The Next Gem Innovators increased knowledge of emerging careers in STEM fields available to my students.
n = 21 valid responses
The Next Gem Innovators increased confidence in collaborating with industry and community to plan meaningful STEM learning opportunities for students.
n = 21 valid responses
Program Data

Program data includes participants from both years of Base Period (2024-2025 and 2025-2026). 

Educators

54 total educator participants

Educator Type

Category Count %
District Administrator or Staff 8 14.8%
School Administrator 5 9.3%
Teacher 37 68.5%
Other 3 5.6%
No position listed 1 1.9%

Educator Grade Levels

Military-Connected Educators

Other programs from Partner
Dayton STEM Empowerment Initiative (DRSC)
Future Self Center Makerspace (DRSC)
Science Saturdays (DRSC)