Beyond100K will host its annual summit in Austin, Texas, from October 7-9, 2024. The event aims to address the STEM teacher shortage and promote a diverse and equitable education system. This year's theme, "Belonging is the Root," highlights the importance of belonging in transforming educational environments.

Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Founder and Executive Director of Beyond100K, emphasized the urgency of focusing on belonging: "By focusing on belonging, Beyond100K aims to cultivate spaces where all students and educators can thrive."

Maya Garcia, Chief Program Officer at Beyond100K, spoke about the impact of the summit: "This year’s summit promises to be transformative as we explore how creating environments of belonging can reshape our educational landscape."

Attendees will be welcomed by Beyond100K partners UTeach Institute and Charles A. Dana Center. Kimberly Hughes, Director of UTeach Institute, explained why Austin is an ideal location for this event: "Austin’s vibrant education ecosystem makes it a perfect backdrop for this important conversation."

Afi Wiggins, Managing Director at Charles A. Dana Center, shared a similar sentiment: "The city’s commitment to systemic change in STEM learning aligns perfectly with our goals for this summit."

Beyond100K aims to recruit and retain 150,000 STEM teachers by 2032 with a focus on Black, Latine, and Indigenous teachers and those serving in high-need schools.

The UTeach Institute supports a national community of over 700 college and university STEM education experts and 5,000 K–12 STEM teachers. It develops innovative coursework and professional learning that enhance STEM teacher effectiveness.

The Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin works to ensure that all students have access to high-quality mathematics and science education from pre-kindergarten through higher education.

For media inquiries, contact Alison Kothe at Dana Center Communications.