Recognized by STEM educators across the country, JASON Learning captures three top awards and a finalist designation.
Ashburn, Virginia – August 2026 – JASON Learning, a leading nonprofit provider of innovative STEM education programs, has been awarded three prestigious Educators Pick Best of STEM Awards in the categories of Environmental Science, Invention Education, and Citizen Scientists.
The Educators Pick Best of STEM Awards are highly regarded in the field of STEM education and are evaluated exclusively by STEM educators. In collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), MCH Strategic Data, and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), the awards program recognizes products, technologies, and services that revolutionize STEM education.
2026 Award-Winning Programs
Winner: Best of STEM for Environmental Science: Healthy Soil, Healthy Food
Healthy Soil, Healthy Food is built around a simple idea: healthy communities begin with healthy soil. Healthy Soil, Healthy Food uses authentic examples and highlights real-world practitioners. Through generous support from Farm Hero (https://farmhero.com/), students learn from role models and case studies, and build understanding of how farmers are using regenerative agriculture practices to restore soil health while producing food and caring for the land. These experiences help students understand that environmental stewardship is more than just a concept; it is an intentional endeavor being carried out every day by dedicated individuals and cooperatives in communities across the nation.
Learn more: https://jason.org/portfolio_item/farm-hero-healthy-soil-food/
Winner: CTE Champions: Invention Education: Design & Pitch Challenges in STEM, Round 1
The Design & Pitch Challenges in STEM, Round 1, was created in partnership with NCSU. Students learn to think like entrepreneurs as they create real solutions to messy STEM problems. The selection of Challenges can be approached from many angles, using different areas of knowledge, techniques, and technology. Students use their knowledge and expertise in creative ways to invent new products that meet customers’ needs. They will need to be able to recognize when they need to learn something new about STEM, their customers, or the situation, and then follow through with research to fill that knowledge gap. In each Challenge, students meet inventors and entrepreneurs who share their insights into the process of creation, from concept to prototype, pitch, production, and distribution.
Learn more: https://jason.org/portfolio_item/design-and-pitch/
Winner: Social Impact Award: Developing Citizen Scientists: Water Matters
Created in partnership with Region 4(https://esc4.net/), Water Matters explores how this resource is vital for public health, helping to prevent waterborne diseases and maintain the overall well-being of our communities. Students discover how water is a cornerstone of economic resilience and innovation, supporting key industries like maritime and seafood. These industries drive economic growth and create jobs, showing just how important water is to our daily lives and prosperity. As the world faces new challenges from changes in climate and population growth, the connection between public health and effective water conservation becomes increasingly important. Students learn about innovative water management and infrastructure that can help everyone become more water-secure. Water Matters inspires and empowers students to step into the role of scientists, considering the needs of their community presently and in the future, and learning how to accurately analyze the resources that are available and safeguard them for the generations that follow.
Texas educators get FREE ACCESS to the Water Matters module using the code below: R4-WaterMatters2026
Learn more: https://jason.org/portfolio_item/water-matters-region-4/
Finalist: Educators Pick: Best of AI
AI Essentials
AI Essentials moves beyond the headlines we read to invite the learner in through inquiry and engaging articles, activities, investigations, and projects that not only explore the foundations of AI concepts but also develop the critical thinking skills needed to consider and evaluate the role of artificial intelligence in our world today.
AI Essentials emphasizes responsible and informed use. Students and educators examine real-world examples of bias in AI, explore its ethical use, and consider the decisions we make that shape the systems of AI. These engaging experiences help learners understand that artificial intelligence is not simply a technology to use, but a variety of technologies that must be understood, questioned, and evaluated.
Students have the opportunity to create with AI concepts rather than just consume AI-generated content. Learners build decision trees, investigate machine learning, design AI-powered games, and complete a portfolio project that demonstrates their understanding of AI as a system. Students build skills in computational thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy.
“We’re honored to be recognized across so many categories this year. From regenerative soil to real-world math and entrepreneurship, each award highlights the hands-on learning our educators and students deserve. I’m proud of our team and grateful for the partners who made this work possible.”
-Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning
Discover the programs recognized by STEM educators nationwide. Explore JASON Learning’s 2026 Best of STEM award-winning and finalist programs at https://jason.org/.
Learn more: https://jason.org/portfolio_item/ai-essentials/
About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for Pre-K-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
JASON Media Contact: Victoria Cross, vcross@jason.org
About Catapult X
Founded by Daylene Long, Catapult X is a market and product development company that consults exclusively with science and STEM/STEAM education industry partners—organizations, businesses, and associations—to catapult their brand and products forward by using data-driven insights.
Long catapults brand, product, and sales growth through alignment of data and strategy, using progressive research techniques and customer discovery. Long publishes national surveys on STEM education and STEM marketing infographics to guide edtech marketers across the globe. Long is an affiliate member of the Council of State Science Supervisors, a member of NSELA, and a twenty-year member of NSTA. Long connects her clients to administrators, educators, distributors, and media to build strong global partnerships.
About MCH Strategic Data
MCH Strategic Data is a first-class leading provider of data and technology solutions in education, religion, healthcare and government. MCH is dedicated to providing superior solutions through its ongoing investment in people, data and technology. Learn more at www.mchdata.com or find them on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About NABT
Since being established in 1938, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has been the recognized “leader in life science education.” Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally. For more information about NABT, please visit www.NABT.org.
