UW-Stout Continuing Education and Conferences will offer a series of community classes and events this spring, including an online AI for Educators course, a hands-on Fab Lab game-building workshop, the Red Cedar Watershed Conference and the Early Childhood Education Conference, as well as information about Summer STEAM Camps for middle school and high school-aged students.
Professional Development Opportunity
AI for Educators
Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, giving educators tools to enhance teaching, personalize learning, and streamline administrative tasks. AI for Educators is an expert-led 4-week online course that builds AI literacy for K–12 and higher education professionals. Through real-world examples and interactive sessions, participants learn practical skills and strategies to improve instruction, course design, efficiency, and student engagement. No prior AI experience required.
Dates:
Canvas Course Only: March 5 – April 9, 2026
(Optional) Live Zoom Sessions: March 12, March 19, April 2; 12-1:15 p.m.
Format: Online – Canvas LMS and (optional) Zoom
Cost: Course only – Early Bird Registration (by Feb. 26) or Stout Proud Discount: $129; Regular: $369
Cost: Course plus Zoom – Early Bird Registration (by Feb. 26) or Stout Proud Discount: $399; Regular: $499
For more information: AI for Educators
Personal Enrichment Opportunity
Play by Design: Fabricating Classic Games
Join us for a hands-on course in the UW-Stout Fab Lab where you will build two classic games to take home, while gaining experience with laser cutters, 3D printers, mini mills, and routers. With expert guidance in a safe, welcoming environment, you will develop the skills and confidence to design, create, and continue exploring the Fab Lab independently. No prior experience is required.
Dates: March 3 and 10, 2026
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Format: In-Person on UW-Stout Campus
Cost: Early Bird Registration (by Feb. 24) or Stout Proud Discount: $129
Regular Registration: $149
For more information: Play by Design
Conferences & Events
Red Cedar Watershed Conference
Come and learn about progress being made in the Red Cedar Watershed. Hear from keynote speakers: Tara Greiman (Wisconsin Farmers Union) will address how land use changes affect water quality, soil health, and the farm economy; Nicole Hayes and Keith Gilland (UW-Stout) will discuss water quality trends and ongoing restoration efforts at UW-Stout; and Jeff Hadachek (UW-Madison) will discuss the Farm Bill and other federal programs and how they impact land management/water quality.
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: UW-Stout Memorial Student Center
Cost: $35
For more information: Red Cedar Watershed Conference
47th Annual UW-Stout Early Childhood Education Conference
This year’s theme, Whole-Child, Whole Educator: Building Emotional Wellness in Every Classroom, highlights the integral relationship between the emotional well-being of educators and the holistic development of children. This year’s conference broadens its focus to include Kindergarten through 3rd-grade educators, recognizing the shared importance of emotional wellness across the early and elementary learning continuum. We also invite early childhood special education teachers to join us as we work together to build inclusive, emotionally supportive learning environments.
Dates: April 24-25, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: UW-Stout Memorial Student Center
For more information: UW-Stout ECE Conference
Youth Programming
Registration Now Open for STEAM Summer Camps
All students in grades 6-12 are invited to explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math at UW-Stout’s STEAM Summer Camps. From robotics to fashion to fish conservation, there is a camp to match your student’s interests. Campers build skills and confidence while experiencing a polytechnic education. Thanks to the Wisconsin DPI, 500+ scholarships are available for qualifying students, with additional aid also available. Learn more or support the scholarship fund at https://www.uwstout.edu/youth-camps
For more information: STEAM Summer Camps
Contact UW-Stout Continuing Education and Conferences for additional information.
