We are entering the era of the 100-Year life. By 2050, over 2 billion people will be over 60. Alongside this demographic shift, we are experiencing an unprecedented rise in scientific and technology advancements like Artificial Intelligence. Despite this, our global STEM infrastructure mostly relies on education during the first 25 years of life. This is a massive systemic failure and a missed intellectual opportunity. This workshop is an interdisciplinary leadership initiative designed to bridge the gap between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Learning, Workforce Development, and Aging.
Currently, existing STEM focused learning opportunities for mature adults tend to be focused mostly on digital literacy, while, at the same time, more holistic approaches and frameworks for STEM learning with mature adults are missing. Instead, the goal should be to treat the aging brain as a high-capacity asset and to see the mature adult population as an untapped market for STEM-based contribution and innovation.
Creating an impactful future for STEM learning among mature adults, as an important strategy for our Future of Work and Learning, must be informed by all relevant stakeholders. Therefore, we are forming a selective, interdisciplinary community of leaders, researchers, and practitioners from STEM learning, workforce development, and aging to shape the future for STEM learning of mature adults. The broad range of experiences of the workshop participants is vital to identifying challenges, co-creating solutions, and setting the research and practice agenda for the next decade.
Following the initial STEM60+ workshop in 2023, this new edition will focus on understanding the current and future role of the aging population on economic growth in a tech-driven society, shedding light on the current status of STEM learning for mature adults and development of future strategies, and building a U.S.-wide community of practitioners, researchers, and decision-makers.
Organizers:
- Philip von Doetinchem, PhD, University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Sandra von Doetinchem, PhD, Skilled Tomorrow, LLC
Dates:
- April 28, 2026, 9am-11:30 am HST
- May 5, 2026, 9am-11:30 am HST
Confirmed speakers:
- Aaron Guest, PhD, Arizona State University/Age-friendly University Global Network
- Craig Gingerich, STEAM with Seniors
- Erin Maruzzella, Nocti Business Solutions
- Heather Greenwood, University of Hawai at Manoa
- Holly Zanville, PhD, Learning & Work Ecosystem Library / The George Washington Institute of Public Policy
- Jen Tuttle Parsons, PhD, American Physical Society
- Joao Souto-Maior, PhD, Stanford Center on Longevity
- Lori Gingerich, STEAM with Seniors
- Martin Storksdiek, PhD, STEM Research Center, Oregon State University
- Nicole Schrode, American Physical Society
- Ryan Kawamoto, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP
- Serena Worthington, Foundation for Aging