Beyond100K Summit 2024 to Address 'Belonging is the Root' in Education Transformation

Austin, TX — October 7-9, 2024

Beyond100K, a national network dedicated to ending the STEM teacher shortage and building a diverse and equitable education system, will host its annual summit in Austin, Texas. The event will bring together educators, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to share insights, strategies, and stories aimed at transforming education through equity and inclusion.

The theme of this year’s summit, ‘Belonging is the Root,’ focuses on the critical role that belonging plays in reshaping educational environments. In environments of belonging, individuals—especially students and educators from historically excluded communities—feel valued, included, and empowered to bring their full selves.

Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Founder and Executive Director of Beyond100K, emphasized the urgency of this year's focus:

Our theme, 'Belonging is the Root,' is not just a statement; it’s a commitment to reimagine education so that every student and teacher can see themselves as vital members of the learning community. We believe that by rooting our efforts in belonging, we can unlock the full potential of our education system. This summit is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the future of education. At a time when our education system is facing unprecedented challenges, we must center belonging to build the resilient, inclusive, and effective schools our students and teachers deserve.

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:

We’re convening people from across the country because we believe in the power of collective action. This Summit is more than a gathering; it’s an opportunity to build lasting networks and partnerships that empower educators, create inclusive communities, and ultimately contribute to solving the STEM teacher shortage. By centering belonging, we’re tapping into the power of community to reimagine an education system that works for everyone, especially for Black, Latine, and Indigenous students.

Why Austin?

2024 Summit attendees will be welcomed by Beyond100K partners, the UTeach Institute and the Charles A. Dana Center, two leading organizations in STEM education transformation based in Austin. The decision to host the Summit in Austin highlights the city’s vibrant education ecosystem and commitment to systemic change in STEM learning.

Kimberly Hughes, Director of the UTeach Institute, explained why Austin is the perfect backdrop for this year’s event:

Austin is not just the home of the original UTeach program—it’s a hub for educational innovation and a place where new ideas in STEM teaching are put into practice. Hosting the Summit here allows us to showcase our commitment to empowering teachers and creating a sense of belonging within the classroom. By fostering environments where teachers can thrive, we’re ensuring that students, especially those from underrepresented communities, are equipped to succeed in STEM.

Afi Wiggins, Managing Director at the Charles A. Dana Center, shared a similar sentiment:

The work of transformation begins with creating environments where all voices are heard and valued. We wanted this year’s Summit to be in Austin because it reflects our ongoing efforts to reshape education for the better for every student. Here, we have the chance to unite educators and leaders who share our vision for equitable access to high-quality STEM education. The Beyond100K Summit offers a powerful platform to accelerate this work, and we are honored to host such an important convening in our city.

ABOUT BEYOND100K:

Beyond100K is a network dedicated to ensuring every student has access to excellent STEM education by ending the STEM teacher shortage and building a diverse teacher workforce. By 2032, Beyond100K aims to recruit 150,000 and retain 150,000 STEM teachers, with a focus on Black, Latine, and Indigenous teachers and those serving in high-need schools.

ABOUT THE UTEACH INSTITUTE:

The UTeach Institute serves as the hub to a vibrant national community of practice of more than 700 college and university STEM education experts and 5,000 K–12 STEM teachers. The Institute develops innovative K–12 coursework and teacher professional learning that strengthens STEM teacher effectiveness and engagement and the preparation of K–12 students across STEM disciplines.

ABOUT THE CHARLES A. DANA CENTER:

The Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin works to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or zip code, have the opportunity to access and succeed in high-quality mathematics and science education from pre-kindergarten through higher education.

Please direct any media inquiries to Alison Kothe, Dana Center Communications Manager.