We hand young people the mic.
Every chance we get. Champions have spoken at the White House, appeared across national news, and made national headlines.
We literally mean it.
They moderate panels, interview experts, co-lead masterclasses, and sit down with elected officials to shape conversations about STEM, education, and policy.
Isabel Garcia + Sahiba Kaur
The 2024 National STEM Champions took the stage at the White House to talk STEM opportunity with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
► Watch
Lino Marrero
The 2024 Champion, joined Festival founder Jenny Buccos at SXSW EDU to explore how young people can turn intimidating ideas into action.
► Watch
Anuki Mudalige
The two-time National STEM Champion took the mic to talk invention, prototyping, and what it takes to move an idea forward.
The right voice for the story.
We don’t speak for young people when they can speak for themselves. For stories about student work and what young people are building now, we’ll start with a Festival Champion. For the bigger picture — why the Festival exists, what we’re seeing across young talent, and where it’s going — Festival leadership can add context.
Start here · Festival Champions
The work, in their own words.
For projects, invention, problem-solving, ambition, and the student experience, hear directly from the young people doing the work.
Request a Champion →Leadership voice
Jenny Buccos
Festival Founder · EXPLR Co-Founder
For the Festival’s mission, access, visibility, partnerships, and the bigger system around young talent.
Request interview →Leadership voice
Kari Byron
EXPLR Co-Founder
For STEM culture, curiosity, creative problem-solving, and the broader public conversation around young people and science.
Request interview →Featured Coverage
As Seen In
NBC Nightly News
Scholastic Kids
StreetInsider
Australian Associated Press