ASU Prep Microspark Summit inspires educators to bring microelectronics and STEM career pathways into the classroom
Sparking student curiosity starts with inspiring the educators who guide them.
At the 2026 Microspark Summit, Arizona educators were able to explore emerging technologies, connect with industry professionals and experience hands-on learning designed to help them bring microelectronics, engineering and advanced manufacturing to life in their classrooms.
Held Sept. 24–25, 2026, the second annual statewide Microspark Summit was hosted by ASU Preparatory Academy in partnership with Access ASU, with funding support from the ASU Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub and the SEMI Foundation. The Arizona Science Center provided the setting for the second day’s workshops through its Educate to Innovate conference.
More than 100 participants attended the first day. Based on participant-reported reach across more than 20 districts, the learning and resources shared at the summit have the potential to reach more than 58,000 students.
From industry exploration to classroom application
Microspark helps educators deepen their understanding of microelectronics and Arizona’s growing semiconductor industry while finding practical ways to bring these concepts into their classrooms.
The goal is not simply to introduce students to semiconductors. It is to help them understand how technology connects to the world around them and to recognize the many ways they might contribute to Arizona’s growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Day one: Explore the people and places behind the technology
The first day gave educators opportunities to learn about the people, facilities and processes behind the technologies that power everyday life. Industry exposure and facility visits helped participants see how concepts taught in classrooms connect to real-world work and career pathways.
Dr. Binil Starly, director of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks in ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, delivered the keynote address. A panel discussion and dedicated networking time gave educators additional opportunities to hear industry perspectives, exchange ideas and build connections with professionals working in the field.
Together, these experiences provided stories, examples and professional connections educators can bring back to their classrooms.
One participant shared: “The most valuable part was discussion with active engineers to hear what life is like for them and how they got here.”
Arizona’s semiconductor workforce starts with curiosity sparked in K-12 classrooms. Teachers who see design and manufacturing labs firsthand can connect problem-solving to STEM careers in advanced manufacturing for the microelectronics industry.”
Day two: Turn new ideas into hands-on learning
On the second day, there was a selection of nine workshops, designed to make emerging technologies approachable, engaging and relevant to classroom instruction.
Workshop topics included:
- Technology with Heart
- Small Chips, Big Futures
- Electric Embroidery
- From Click to Code to Change
- FieldForge
- Pack the Chip
- Teaching Machine Learning with AI and the Micro
- Beyond the Chip
- Connecting Your Classroom to Arizona’s Workforce
Contributors included ASU and ASU Prep educators including ASU Prep Transformational Teacher Leaders, Chibitronics, SEMI, The GAME School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Spark Photonics, the Arizona Superintendent’s Office and Grand Canyon University.
The sessions offered hands-on activities helping educators explore how complex ideas can be introduced through accessible experiences that encourage students to experiment, ask questions and make connections.
That accessibility matters. Dr. Rachna Mathur, executive strategic advisor for STEM and emerging technology at ASU Preparatory Academy, explained that even professors accustomed to teaching college-level courses have responded enthusiastically to fun, accessible approaches such as paper circuits.
“I feel like that just helps students be able to see themselves in these industries,” Mathur said.
One participant praised the immediate classroom applications: “Simple and useful ideas to take back to the classroom right away. Love this, and it is truly applicable for me.”
These experiences also showed how microelectronics and advanced manufacturing extend beyond traditional STEM classes, connecting to subjects such as art, history, English language arts, business, communications and marketing.
As Corey Dorsey, Microspark project manager, emphasized, exposing educators to different perspectives helps them show students the many ways their interests and skills, from engineering and skilled trades to law and media, can lead to opportunities in Arizona’s growing industries.
I love this conference. I didn’t know it could get better, but it did.”
A growing statewide effort with broader reach
Microspark has grown steadily since its initial pilot in spring 2025, which brought together about 30 participants. By fall 2025, the program had expanded to 87 participants representing a range of educational roles. Two regional mini-programs followed in spring 2026, leading to the recent statewide summit this fall.
This growth reflects a broader effort to connect K–12 education with Arizona’s expanding semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The 2026 summit also welcomed participants from as many as five other states, contributing to a wider national community focused on microelectronics education.
For ASU Prep, the work reflects a commitment to innovation, STEM education and helping educators prepare students for the opportunities taking shape around them.
It’s exciting to see a K–12 organization helping lead the way in a $300 billion semiconductor industry. By connecting educators with industry and university partners, we can help students see the many ways they can contribute to this growing field and begin exploring those possibilities while they’re still in school.”
Continue the Microspark learning experience
The Microspark Summit will return in fall 2027.
In the meantime, educators can explore practical, accessible Microspark resources, including short, classroom-ready lessons that connect learning with microelectronics, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Explore additional opportunities for students, families, educators and administrators through the ASU Microelectronics K–12 hub.
By connecting educators with industry professionals and classroom-ready resources, ASU Prep and its partners are helping more Arizona students discover how their interests and talents can connect to the industries shaping the state’s future.
Join us in inspiring the next generation of innovators. Contact Dr. Rachna Mathur or Corey Dorsey to learn more.