The Maui News

Students and teachers will get the chance to explore the latest technology and hear from some of the biggest names in science, technology, engineering and math at the 10th annual Hawaii STEM Conference on Oahu next month.

The conference is presented by STEMworks, a statewide initiative of the Maui Economic Development Board. It will take place May 1-2 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Registration is open through Friday. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 1,000 students and 300 teachers from K-12 schools throughout the state.

Keynote speakers will include Sabari Raja, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nepris Inc.; Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society; Shah Selbe, National Geographic explorer; and Brandon Marcos, Kauai High School STEMworks star.

The conference also will feature more than 50 hands-on student and teacher sessions presented by education teams and industry experts from dozens of businesses and educational organizations across the country, including the National Geographic Society, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Navy.

A timed, high-energy mixer will also give students the chance to engage with more than 80 different STEM industry professionals.

The conference will also feature seven student-centered STEM competitions designed to challenge students’ skills and creativity, three fast-paced Hackathons that will empower students to tackle environmental challenges, and a STEMworks Playground offering students and teachers the chance to immerse themselves in STEM sessions.

For more information and to register, visit hawaiistemconference.org.