By Arizona STEM Ecosystem Director Claire Conway and Chief Science Officers International Program Director Eileen Healy
Two SciTech Institute STEM leaders, one incredible journey.
This past September, Arizona STEM Ecosystem Director Claire Conway and CSO International Program Director Eileen Healy traveled to Kenya to meet with educators, students, and community partners from the Kenya National STEM Learning Ecosystem. Claire focused on building connections through the Arizona STEM Ecosystem, while Eileen spent time strengthening the Chief Science Officers (CSO) International Program already taking root in Kenyan schools.
“The trip was an incredible opportunity to learn from the Kenya National STEM Learning Ecosystem,” said Claire. “We were introduced to dozens of educators, partners, students, and community leaders who are making a real impact in their communities.”
For Eileen, the visit also celebrated the success of Kenya’s CSO Program, now active in 20 schools. “We visited five schools and met with over 120 STEM Ambassadors,” she said. “We led trainings, connected with administrators, and met more than 20 Invention Educators from across the country.”
Both leaders were inspired by Kenya’s collaborative approach to STEM education. Claire noted how rural schools partner with nearby businesses to offer internships and real-world learning experiences—an idea she hopes to adapt in Arizona. “They’re also doing an incredible job of community building,” she added. “Partners meet for hikes, dinners, and shared activities that keep everyone connected.”
Eileen echoed the power of connection on a global level. “Students want to be connected with their peers from around the world, and we can make that happen through our learning management system,” she shared. “That kind of global collaboration is what makes the CSO International program so exciting.”
Of course, the trip wasn’t all work, no play. Both Claire and Eileen fondly recalled the Masai Mara safari. “Getting to know the students and educators was such a highlight,” Claire said. “And exploring Kenya’s incredible wildlife made the trip even more memorable.”
The journey to Kenya marked just the beginning of a growing partnership. Plans are already underway to welcome the Kenya STEM Ecosystem team to Arizona, where they’ll explore local programs and continue strengthening international ties. As Claire shared, “We’re excited to keep the collaboration going, with hopes of bringing CSOs on the next visit.”
The burgeoning colloboration between Arizona and Kenya is showing what’s possible when young STEM leaders, educators, and ecosystems learn from one another to build a brighter, more connected future for STEM.