Ready to Reignite Your Teaching? The STEAM Leadership Program Is Back This Summer

What if one program could change the way you teach — forever?

That’s not a marketing line. It’s what educators who’ve been through the KCI STEAM Leadership Program keep telling us. And this summer, a new cohort kicks off, with spots open for passionate educators across California.

What Is the STEAM Leadership Program?

The STEAM Leadership Program is a 9-month professional learning experience built for K–12 educators who want to bring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to life in their classrooms — in ways that are hands-on, culturally responsive, and actually useful on Monday morning.

It starts with an intensive 5-day Summer Institute where you’ll dive into coding, design thinking, data science, robotics, and more. Then, throughout the school year, you’ll attend follow-on sessions, develop your own “Genius Hour” passion project, redesign lessons, and build a portfolio of work you’re proud of.

Real Talk: What Do Participants Say?

We’ll let the numbers speak first: 100% of recent participants said they would recommend the program to a colleague. Not 92%. Not 97%. Every single one.

And the qualitative feedback? Even better.

“Of all the KCI courses and Professional Development I have attended anywhere, I think the STEAM Leadership program has impacted my teaching more than any other.” — Britton Bounds

“As a teacher, I see myself as a lifelong learner, and this program helped me keep that spark as a learner and to improve my teaching.” — Cristina Lizaola

“I am a hands-on learner. The program allowed me to see, learn, and experiment with technology hands-on… I now feel confident in coding and circuitry enough to have fully utilized class sets of Micro:bits and Lego Spike kits.” — Erika Elvert

Is It a Big Time Commitment?

The honest answer: it’s manageable. The majority of participants (56%) spent just 1–2 hours per week on program work during the school year — while carrying a full teaching load. The program is designed to fit into your real life, not replace it.

Who Should Apply?

This program is for educators who:

• Want to bring STEAM learning to life in their classrooms
• Are hungry to connect with a community of like-minded teachers
• Believe every student — regardless of zip code — deserves access to innovative learning
• Are ready to grow as both a practitioner and a leader

We actively recruit educators from Title 1 schools and underserved communities. Recent cohorts have included teachers from across the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and beyond.

What You Walk Away With

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to integrate multiple STEAM disciplines into your curriculum, teach using culturally responsive practices, identify emerging STEAM fields for workforce preparation, and lead professional learning for your colleagues. You’ll also earn a KCI Certificate of Achievement and join a growing network of STEAM educators making an impact across California.

“This program gives me hope for the future. It’s inspiring to work with so many engaged and thoughtful educators.” — Christy Lindeman

Applications for Summer 2026 Are Open Now

Don’t let another school year go by wishing you had more tools, more community, or more confidence in your STEAM teaching. This program delivers all three — and then some.

Ready to apply or learn more? Contact us at jsewell@krauseinnovationcenter.org or visit the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College.

Spots are limited. Apply early.