Gorge STEM Connection

We hope you’re out there touching grass 🌱 and enjoying a well-deserved break from the classroom! But if you’re using this time to explore how AI is changing the education landscape, we’ve got some great resources to help you dive in. Whether you're looking for a quick overview, a deep dive into AI fluency, or the chance to join a live conversation with fellow educators, these summer picks offer flexible, educator-friendly learning - some at your pace, and others in real time. You’ll find these and more at gorgestem.org/ai. 🏖️ Featured Summer Picks 🩴 • News Literacy Project: Teaching AI Guide Practical lessons and activities to help you bring AI and media literacy into your classroom. Download the guide (PDF) • OCSTA Summer SuperQuest: AI Palooza Oregon CSTA’s free summer PD series focused on all things AI in the classroom. August 4-7 & August 11-14 Learn more • MagicSchool Summer School (MagicSchool Academy) A guided tour of how AI tools can support teachers with real examples and how-tos. August 4-14 Start here! • Free AI Courses for Educators: • Google's AI for Educators • Anthropic's AI Fluency Guide • Common Sense: AI Basics for K–12 Teachers

Oregon’s Hillsboro School District has launched the state’s first registered youth apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing—and it’s making waves. This two-year, paid program gives high school students real-world experience and leads to a state-recognized manufacturing technician certification through Oregon BOLI. The program is a standout example of what’s possible when schools, industry, and local government align. Key partners include Intel, Jireh Semiconductor, the City of Hillsboro, and others. Students earn while they learn—completing nearly 6,000 hours of training in the inaugural cohort—helping fill hundreds of open manufacturing jobs in Washington County while building career pathways for youth. Now expanding to nearby school districts with Future Ready Oregon funding, this program offers a roadmap for regions across the state. The Blueprint Exists—Now It’s Our Turn. How do we rally the right partners to build a youth apprenticeship program for the Columbia Gorge? 🎥 Hear directly from the students, educators, and industry leaders powering the Hillsboro program. Apprenticeship Opportunities, Hillsboro School District

Trying to make the most of a little break during the summer with my little one. Here's our Summer STEM Bucket List! What fun things would you add?