On Tuesday, Sept. 3, JASON Learning, a nonprofit leader in STEM education, announced its success at the 2024 Educators’ Pick Best of STEM Awards. The organization has been recognized with three category wins and one finalist placement, underscoring the innovation and impact of its educational programs.
The Educators’ Pick Best of STEM® Awards is the only program created by and for educators, with a qualified panel of STEM educators serving as judges. Operated in partnership with the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and MCH Strategic Data, this awards program honors STEM resources that are making a difference in classrooms nationwide.
“These awards are a testament to our team’s hard work and the valuable partnerships we’ve formed with industry leaders and educators,” said Dr. Eleanor Smalley, president and CEO of JASON Learning. “We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of STEM education and are deeply honored to be recognized in these categories.”
Nominees are matched with an educator judge for a product demonstration, then the product or program is reviewed by a larger pool of educators. The winners are selected by thousands of STEM educators who recognize the products, technologies, and services that are transforming the world of STEM education.
This year, JASON Learning’s programs have received recognition for their inclusive, impactful, and innovative approach to STEM education. Each program is designed to engage students with real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
According to Jenna Davis, JASON Learning’s director of development, two of the main elements of the curricula that stand out to judges are the organization’s emphasis on real world applications and its use of diverse role models.
“We like to connect our concepts to a real-world challenge and then we challenge the students to think of solutions,” Davis said. “The role models in our curricula and content represent different demographics and backgrounds; that helps anyone feel like they belong in STEM because they see themselves represented in that career path.”
Since 2022, JASON Learning has secured seven Best of STEM Awards and one finalist placement. These accolades include recognition for its Early Childhood STEM Program, which introduces young learners to the wonders of STEM through engaging, age-appropriate content. The Pathways to Success: Career Exploration curriculum has been honored for guiding students in discovering potential career paths in STEM fields.
“Many of the curricula that the judges recognized were the ones we created in collaboration with organizations and school districts,” Davis said. “I think it strengthens the curriculum to have an industry partner involved in its preparation and for a school district to let us know where it’s best embedded. That way we can provide the ‘JASON-ized’ curriculum that meets everyone’s needs in the community. This win isn’t just JASON’s, it includes all the collaborators and partners we work with.”
