From the Stage to the Stars: A New Script for STEM | SXSW EDU 2026

Speakers: Walt Hickey, Aisha Bowe, Scarlin Hernandez, & Alma Cooper From pageants to rocket science, today’s STEM leaders don’t fit the old mold, and that’s the point. As AI reshapes classrooms and student disengagement grows, tired metaphors like train speeds and baseball stats fall flat. This panel uses real-world stories to show how visibility, storytelling, and diverse role models can help more students see themselves in STEM and spark inclusive, innovative outcomes. About SXSW EDU: The SXSW EDU Conference & Festival cultivates and empowers a community of engaged stakeholders to advance teaching and learning. SXSW EDU is a component of the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) family of conferences and festivals. Internationally recognized as the convergence gathering for creative professionals, SXSW EDU extends SXSW’s support for the art of engagement to include society’s true rock stars: educators! Connect with SXSW EDU online at: Visit the SXSW EDU website: http://sxswedu.com/ Follow SXSW EDU on Twitter:   / sxswedu   Like SXSW EDU on Facebook:   / sxswedu   SUBSCRIBE:    / subscription_c.  . MORE VIDEOS:    / sxswedu