On March 28, 2011 National Lab Network partnered with the Space Foundation to host a Dinner with STEM Professionals (DWSP) event. The event, held at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute located in Colorado Springs, brought together approximately forty K-12 STEM Educators and Military STEM Professionals from the area. These two communities, equally dedicated to enhancing STEM Education, appreciated the opportunity to build ties through the DWSP event.

Participants included educators from six area school districts and STEM Professionals from the United States Air Force Academy and U.S. Air Force Space Command. STEM faculty from the USAFA brought engaging demonstrations that provided educators with helpful ideas for communicating a variety of mathematical and science concepts. Teachers spoke about some of the STEM concepts being taught in the classroom and the STEM Professionals explained how they use STEM in the performance of their duties. The event was well attended and resulted in meaningful conversations between the educational and military communities. Attendees were encouraged to utilize National Lab Network as a resource to collaborate in their efforts to enhance STEM Education happening in area classrooms. Partnering on teacher professional development and STEM projects appeared to be popular topics of discussion amongst the groups.

The March 28th event was the first DWSP aimed at bringing together STEM Educators and Military STEM Professionals. The evening proved successful as many participants continued their conversations after the event. Another Dinner with STEM Professionals event is currently planned for the Alexandria, VA area on April 4, 2011. That event will be located at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria.