Sense-Makers

Thinking & Acting Together for OUR Region

The NEXT DegenSTEAM Sense-Maker Gathering

Thursday, October 22nd, 2026

  • 8:30 am - 3:00 pm: Collaborative Impact Session - Pine Barn Inn, Danville

  • 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Live Podcast, STEAM Learning Playground, Networking - The Lending Lab & MYNDDSET Poditorium, the DRIVE Building, Danville

RSVP’s required. Email info@degensteam.org to learn more about becoming a Sense-Maker.

A Sense-Maker is someone who not only helps make sense of what's changing across learning, workforce, and community—but is also willing to help move meaningful work forward.

Become a Sense-Maker

"People don't need to fear losing jobs. They need to be hopeful and inspired by new possibilities and I think that's a challenge we're willing to rise to." Kelly Feiler, President, Regional Engagement Center, Selinsgrove, PA

Our North Star Journey

Our journey is led by our vision, our North Star. We’ve reached many notable milestones along the way, from the earliest days to our latest events and happenings.

You shared. We listened.
Our collective actions and goals.

  • Asset map existing cross-sector partnerships to identify where collaboration is already strong and where gaps exist (especially rural).

    Goal #1: Strengthen Regional Alignment

  • Create a Regional Talent & Partnership Council that aligns employers, education leaders, and policymakers.

    Goal 1: Strengthen Regional Alignment

  • Pilot shared data dashboards and communication loops that make collaboration visible and measurable.

    Goal 1: Strengthen Regional Alignment

  • Develop AI Training and Development Programs across the community that integrate local issues (e.g., sustainability, accessibility, public health).

    Goal 2: Integrate Real-World Learning at Scale

  • Create a Learning Model and Guide to tie educational projects across all ages to civic impact.

    Goal 2: Integrate Real-World Learning at Scale.

  • Create a co-branded internship and apprenticeship program with industry and employers, harnessing centralized management to ensure best practices for learning and the highest impact of student skills.

    Goal 2: Integrate Real-World Learning at Scale.

  • Build an Initiative to coordinate shared STEAM resources. The DegenSTEAM Exchange, Lending Lab

    Goal 3: Expand Equitable Access to Discovery

  • Launch a regional STEAM learning network to expand access into community-based programs.

    Goal 3: Expand Equitable Access to Discovery

  • Expand mentorship networks across DegenSTEAM partners.

    Goal 4: Support a Culture of Mentorship and Lifelong LearningSupport a Culture of Mentorship and Lifelong Learning

  • Launch a STEAM-focused student-led advisory cohort into the region.

    Goal 4: Support a Culture of Mentorship and Lifelong Learning

  • Integrate learning and upskilling into the broader AI + STEAM narrative.

    Goal 4: Support a Culture of Mentorship and Lifelong Learning