Rhode Island Department of Education Announces Schedule and Programming Details for RI STEAM Expo Happening May 9

Rhode Island Department of Education Announces Schedule and Programming Details for RI STEAM Expo Happening May 9

Published on Wednesday, May 06, 2026

PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) announced the full schedule and program highlights for the RI STEAM Expo, taking place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Providence Career & Technical Academy (PCTA), 41 Fricker Street in Providence.

"Math Matters RI underscores that in every home, every day, learning matters-and we are proud to once again host Rhode Island families for this celebration to promote academic excellence," said Governor Dan McKee. "For Rhode Island to continue to grow and be competitive in a 21st-century economy, we must prioritize high-quality STEAM education. I encourage students, parents, and educators to join us for our Expo to learn more about how math-focused opportunities can be fun and lead to better academic outcomes."

"Through Math Matters RI, we are strengthening math learning across the state by uniting families, educators, and communities," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "From hands-on workshops to professional learning and interactive games, we invite all Rhode Islanders to join this STEAM celebration. By building confidence and curiosity today, we are ensuring our students can succeed in the careers of tomorrow."

Hosted as part of the statewide Math Matters RI initiative in partnership with the Office of Governor Dan McKee, the free, family-friendly Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) focused event will bring together students, families, educators, higher education institutions, and industry partners for a morning of hands-on learning, interactive experiences, and professional learning opportunities.

The RI STEAM Expo will offer free food and prizes and feature several concurrent programming strands designed to engage learners from early childhood through adulthood:

Interactive Exhibit Hall

The Expo Hall will be open from 8:30am to 12:30pm in the PCTA Field House and will feature more than 40 interactive STEAM exhibits hosted by colleges, community organizations, industry partners, student groups, and government agencies. Exhibitors will offer hands-on activities that connect science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to real-world applications and career pathways.

Family Workshops

Families and students of all ages are invited to participate in family workshops designed to support STEAM learning at home. Sessions will include engaging, age-appropriate activities, strategies for supporting student curiosity and problem-solving, and exploration of STEAM-related academic and career opportunities from pre-kindergarten through high school. Families can register online for workshops.

Professional Learning for Educators

Educators from across Rhode Island are invited to participate in professional learning sessions, which will begin at 7:30am. Sessions will be offered across grade levels and topic areas, with a focus on high-quality STEAM instruction, emerging technologies, and partnerships that support student learning. Educators attending eligible sessions may earn Professional Learning Units (PLUs). Educators can register for professional learning sessions online.

Panel Discussion: Preparing Rhode Island's Future STEAM Workforce

The Expo will also feature a panel discussion titled "Educating Rhode Island's Future STEAM Workforce in the Digital Age," bringing together leaders from Rhode Island higher education and industry. Panelists will discuss the skills, experiences, and collaborations needed to prepare students for future careers in an increasingly digital and innovation-driven economy. The panel will be moderated by Michael Hobin, RIDE's Director of College & Career Readiness.

Panelists include:

• Katherine Sutton, Workforce Development Specialist at General Dynamics/Electric Boat
• David Marble, President & CEO, OSHEAN
• Dr Tim Henry, Associate Professor of Computer Science, RIC 
• Semhal Katz, 2026 Cybersecurity degree candidate, RIC
• Julissa Disu, Director of Youth Career Readiness Programs, Governor's Workforce Board/RIDLT

The RI STEAM Expo is free and open to all, but registration on Eventbrite is required.

Families and educators are encouraged to register in advance and review the full program schedule online.