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Join us for the 2025 JASON National Conference (JNC), where educators, leaders, and industry professionals will come together to explore the transformative power of collaboration in STEM education.

Themed “Voices & Visions of STEM: Shaping the Future Together,” this year’s conference will focus on how diverse perspectives and visionary leadership can drive a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future in STEM fields.

The conference will celebrate the collective voices of educators, students, and communities, highlighting how collaboration can influence the trajectory of STEM education and create meaningful, inclusive pathways for all learners. Together, we will explore strategies to address tomorrow’s challenges in technology, sustainability, and workforce development, while ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone in STEM.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, we will equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM innovators.

This conference serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, enhancing diverse voices, and developing the visionary leadership necessary to shape a brighter future for STEM education and careers.

Come ready to share your vision, strengthen your voice, and be part of shaping a transformative STEM landscape for tomorrow’s leaders.

Register Now for JNC 2025!

Secure your spot at JNC 2025! Join us June 30 - July 2 at Lansdowne Resort & Spa in Leesburg, VA. A link to the JASON Learning room block at Lansdowne Resort & Spa will be included in your confirmation email.

REGISTER HERE

School districts and educational institutions are welcome to register for the JASON National Conference using a purchase order (PO).

Instructions for Registering with A Purchase Order

How It Works:

1. Submit Your Purchase Order
Email your completed PO to orders@jason.org. Please include:

    • The number of registrations you wish to purchase
    • Names (if known) or number of attendees
    • Contact information for billing and communications

2. Receive Your Registration Code
Once we process your PO, we’ll send you a custom registration code to use on Eventbrite.

3. Register Your Attendees
Use the code to register your attendees directly through Eventbrite.

Need Help?
If you have questions about the PO process or need assistance, feel free to contact us at orders@jason.org.

Keynote Speakers

TV Series Host, FARM HERO, & Founding Consultant of New Energy Consulting, Inc

Laura Zaspel

DAY 1: 9:15 - 10:00 AM

Ms. Zaspel earned a MEPM (Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy and Management) and a MA (Master’s Degree in Cognitive Studies) from the University of Denver in 1994. She was recruited by the Presidential Management Intern Program under the Clinton Administration and accepted placement at the US DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology in Golden, CO. While with the US DOE, Ms. Zaspel ensured the Clean Cities initiatives were implemented in US DOE Region 7, including creating a “clean corridor” from Missoula, MT to Kalispell, MT. Currently, Ms. Zaspel is a Green Events Specialist for Serendipity Catering, as well as a co-owner. Highlights from Serendipity Catering’s green event division include a 100% compostable grand opening for the Xcel Energy Larimer 1800 Platinum LEED building in Denver, CO (1350 guests in attendance), the Small Acreage Conference of the CSU Extension, featuring a menu incorporating Colorado small acreage produce and proteins, and the Colorado Premier of Ken Burns’ “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” at the CO School of Mines. Ms. Zaspel also consults for New Energy Consulting, Inc. helping businesses in all industries manifest their sustainable and green initiatives.
Fresh Water Institute Program Director in Cuyahoga County, OH

Emily Bacha

DAY 1: 3:15 - 4:30 PM

Since she was a kid, Emily Bacha has been fascinated by our natural world. Her JASON XIII Expedition to Alaska – in addition to adventures closer to her Cleveland home – inspired a lifelong passion for environmental education and advocacy.

Today, Emily serves as Director of the Fresh Water Institute. This new Cuyahoga County program aims to catalyze and strengthen Northeast Ohio's culture of freshwater stewardship through collaboration with our region’s current and future water leaders to increase educational programming, grow our sustainable water economy, expand access to our waterfronts, and advocate for our freshwater resources.

Emily brings more than a decade of experience advancing efforts to protect our environment through research, experiential education, community engagement, strategic communications, and advocacy to this new role. She has worked for some of Ohio’s leading environmental nonprofit organizations including the Ohio Environmental Council and Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Emily earned her B.S. in Environmental Geography from Ohio University and Masters of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia.

In the community, Emily currently serves as a Cleveland VOTES Advisory Board member, Look Up to Cleveland Advisory Board member, and College Now of Greater Cleveland mentor. Emily resides in Cleveland with her young family where she enjoys gardening, hiking, and continuing to seek out new adventures.

Founder & CEO of Healthy Hip Hop

Roy Scott

DAY 2: 9:00 - 9:45 AM

A visionary founder, pitch coach, and movement-maker, Roy transformed his mic skills into a mission, creating Healthy Hip Hop — the Urban Disney for a new generation. From rocking crowds as Rapping Roy to landing deals with Google, Dallas ISD, and Techstars, he’s scaled a brand that fuses music, education, and tech to uplift kids and culture alike.

Roy carries a deep personal connection to the transformative power of hip-hop music from his own childhood. This experience inspired him to establish a positive alternative, dedicated to uplifting youth through the promotion of mental and physical health, educational achievement, and personal empowerment.

As a battle-tested former corporate executive and driven entrepreneur, Roy has amassed a diverse range of accomplishments. From pitching on Shark Tank to securing over $500K in non-dilutive grants to build a tech company from the ground up, he has demonstrated his tenacity and resourcefulness.

Educational Consultant and CEO, WeEmpower LLC

Tom Burton

DAY 2: 1:00 - 1:45 PM

Mr. Tom Burton is the CEO of WeEmpowerLLC and a distinguished school educator with vast experience in leadership, collaborating with stakeholders, and advocating for student success. His career began in 1987, and he has served at Princeton City Schools from 2015 until his retirement in 2023, embodying the mission to empower students for life success. Recognized by various awards, including the Community Champion Award, Mr. Burton is a celebrated author, columnist, and influential speaker engaged with esteemed educational institutions and organizations. He is also an active member of several advisory boards, contributing significantly to the educational and cultural landscape.

Event Schedule

DAY 1

MONDAY, JUNE 30

7:00 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 AM: Check-in

8:45 – 9:15 AM: Welcome Address

9:15 – 10:00 AM: Keynote Presentation: Laura Zaspel

10:00 – 10:10 AM: Break

10:15 – 11:00 AM: Panel Discussion: Building Localized Learning Pathways 

11:00 – 11:45 AM: Breakout Sessions

11:45 – 12:45 PM: Lunch

12:55 – 1:10 PM: Awards & Announcements

1:10 – 1:35 PM: The Future of JASON Learning: James Dyke, Sr. 

1:35 – 2:15 PM: Panel Discussion: Research in STEM Education

2:15 – 3:00 PM: Breakout Sessions

3:00 – 3:15 PM: Break

3:15 – 4:00 PM: Keynote Presentation: Emily Bacha

4:00 – 4:30 PM: End Address: Dr. Bob Ballard

4:30 – 6:00 PM: Free Time

6:00 – 7:00 PM: Evening Reception

DAY 2

TUESDAY, JULY 1

7:00 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 – 8:40 AM: Check-in

8:40 – 8:55 AM: Welcome Address

9:00 – 9:45 AM: Keynote Presentation: Roy Scott

9:50 – 10:35 AM: Panel Discussion: Pathways for STEM Success

10:35 – 10:45 AM: Break

10:45 – 11:30 AM: Breakout Sessions

11: 30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch

12:40 – 12:45 PM: ReMA Contest Theme Announcement

12:45 – 1:00 PM: NASS Leadership Announcement

1:00 – 1:45 PM: Keynote Presentation: Tom Burton

1:45 – 2:00 PM: Break

2:00 – 2:45 PM: Breakout Sessions

2:55 – 3:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Embracing STEM At All Levels

3:30 – 3:45 PM: End Address

PBL TRAINING DAY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

7:00 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 – 8:40 AM: Check-in

8:40 – 8:55 AM: Welcome Address

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: PBL Sessions

  • Early Childhood STEM Planning Workshop
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) with JASON Learning
  • Connecting CTE and Science Content
  • Integrating JASON Learning in Your District Content Guides
  • Implementing Community-Based Challenges for Grades K-12

Learn more about each of our PBL sessions below!

Day 3: Project Based Learning Trainings

Join us for an optional half-day session on July 2 with certified National JASON Trainers to dive deeper
into hands-on STEM learning and earn additional PD credits.

Early Childhood STEM Planning Workshop

In this workshop, participants will review the Early Childhood (grades PreK-2) content on the JASON Digital Platform and have the opportunity to participate in different hands-on learning experiences before working with colleagues to build an Early Childhood unit for implementation during the school year. This workshop is designed for classroom educators, curriculum support staff, and district/building coaches who work with EC teachers.

Participants should prepare by identifying a topic or set of standards they would like to plan for (including standards from multiple areas) and a device with internet access to work on during the workshop. All other materials will be provided.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) with JASON Learning

In this workshop, participants will get an in-depth look at JASON Learning AI resources. This includes time for districts who have purchased or are considering the purchase of Cuebric to add to your JASON subscription. In addition to learning more about what JASON offers with AI learning, participants will have time to plan with colleagues to implement AI content with students next school year. This session is suitable for any teachers implementing AI content with students, curriculum support staff, and administrators wishing to learn more about AI and how it can be taught.

Participants should prepare for this workshop by reviewing their school and district AI policies and expectations. Participants must bring their own devices with internet access for this session.

Connecting CTE and Science Content

In this workshop, participants will go in-depth with resources that align CTE content with science content – examples that will be used in the workshop include HVAC/Physics connections related to airflow and fluid dynamics, Using Tinkercad and Arduino to learn about the flow of electricity and data center planning in relation to sustainability and geography. This workshop is suitable for science teachers, CTE teachers, curriculum support staff, administrators, and coaches who support CTE and Science and are looking for engaging ways to maximize time in these two areas for student success.

Participants must bring internet access devices; all other materials will be provided.

Integrating JASON in Your District Content Guides

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to work with JASON National Trainers to review how to locate standards and topic-aligned resources and work to connect the resources they find to district requirements in different content areas. This workshop includes the opportunity to engage in examples of hands-on learning pulled from JASON content and access to JASON experts as you work to align JASON resources to your school and district requirements and expectations for learning. This session will also discuss engaging district partners with your students through various JASON Learning opportunities.

To prepare for this session, participants should ensure they have any guiding documents provided by their school or district in a content area where they would like more JASON resources to be used. Participants will need to bring a device with internet access. All other materials will be provided.

Implementing Community-Based Challenges for Grades K-12

In this workshop, participants will go in-depth with a community-based STEM challenge and will work with colleagues to differentiate a specific challenge to meet the needs of all students in grades K-12. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the expectations of a challenge, engage with peers and trainers to ask questions and share ideas, and have the time and support to draft a challenge differentiated for all grade levels in their school or district.

This workshop suits classroom teachers, curriculum support staff, coaches, and administrators interested in bringing community-based STEM challenges to their student population.

To prepare for this workshop, participants are encouraged to look into JASON’s Design & Pitch Challenges in STEM. All participants will need to bring a device with internet access.