Focused Workshops
Let’s learn! Focused Workshops are offered for K-12 students, college students (e.g. resume writing, internships, etc.), and the workforce (interviewing, CMSP, teacher training, etc.). The EcosySTEM of Learning’s (EoL) Focused Workshops are conducted both in person, in tandem with NTSA events, or synchronous/asynchronous online.
Read about a variety of our efforts below.
Webinars
NTSA’s EcosySTEM of Learning brings actionable, engaging webinars to YOU three to four times a year at no cost. Past webinar topics have ranged from resources for teachers wanting to engage with STEM and the industry to how to workforce development with neurodiverse students. Check out the events page to see what the next webinar is and how you can engage with the EoL!
K12 Teacher Training
Calling all Educators! We want YOU for a special underwater robotics STEM workshop! Registration opens each spring/early summer for K-12 teachers interested in attending a 2-day STEM workshop at the I/ITSEC convention in Orlando, Florida, teaching all about SeaPerch! SeaPerch Underwater ROV is an Office of Naval Research (ONR) STEM robotics program that illustrates how to construct, design, and prototype an underwater robot to solve challenges, with the opportunity to compete at local, national, and international events. This workshop will equip educators with an understanding of science and engineering disciplines, tool safety, real-world technical applications of ROVs, as well as demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork skills.
DoD STARBASE Training
NTSA – EcosySTEM of Learning at ITSEC welcomes DoD STARBASE Directors and Teachers! DoD STARBASE is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. At DoD STARBASE students participate in challenging “hands-on, minds-on” activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). They interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the “real world.” The program provides students and their teachers with 25 hours of stimulating experiences at over 90 locations at National Guard, Marine, Air Force, Army, Space Force, and Navy bases across the nation. Using I/ITSEC as a platform, NTSA's goal is to leverage access to industry professionals to empower and educate the directors and teachers of DoD STARBASEs who are inspiring students and preparing teachers in their states to help secure the future of both our industry and our nation.
Teacher Mentor
The Teacher Mentorship Program gives teachers the tools to impact students through STEM programming, career information, and the information needed to help students pursue pathways to exciting and well-paying jobs. In a two-year program, teachers spend the first year becoming STEM experts and spend the second year collaborating and growing. Partnerships between the teacher/classrooms and industry/Department of Defense (DoD) partners, bringing expertise to the classroom. Teachers who participate attend I/ITSEC to learn and expand their modeling and simulation horizons.
Career Panel
Each year at I/ITSEC, join panelists to talk about the many possibilities for positions and the paths that brought them to their current careers. Hear about the many jobs you might get in modeling and simulation, learn more about the ones you already are aware of, and ask questions of our experts!
Engage with the EoL for other career-focused efforts!
Student Hard Problem Challenge
Do you love a challenge or thinking outside the box? The Student Hard Problem Challenge gives students the tools to tackle real life challenges, utilizing proven innovation and problem-solving methodologies that experts in the field are using. As a student, you will develop problem solving skills, broaden career awareness, and demonstrate new critical thinking skills. Students will solve a “hard problem” through guided instruction and pitch their proposed solutions to a panel of expert judges.
Teacher Hard Problem Challenge
Join NTSA for a workshop to learn how to facilitate problem solving in the classroom. The Department of Defense (DoD), like many industries and fields, has hard problems it must solve; one of the ways DoD looks to solve these is by turning to industry for unique solutions to these hard problems. As part of NTSA’s EcosySTEM of Learning and STEM outreach, we demonstrate new strategic thinking methodologies teachers can bring back to their programs and scale these industry practices down to the student level, bringing awareness to students of ways the industry works, developing problem solving skills, and broadening career awareness. Take actionable teaching strategies back to your classroom and see what students come up with.