Summary:
K–5 teachers are invited to a free, hands-on professional learning experience at Winona State University. Participants will receive InnoCrate training, earn professional development credit, and take back an InnoCrate kit valued at $2,000 to support classroom instruction in advanced manufacturing topics such as composites, CNC machining, and metal casting.

Full Description:
The InnoCrate Teacher Workshop at Winona State University is designed to expand how K–12 students learn about advanced manufacturing by equipping teachers with high-quality tools, training, and classroom-ready experiences.

This in-person workshop is open to K–2 and 3–5 teachers and focuses on helping educators build foundational student awareness of career pathways in composites, CNC machining, and metal casting. Through guided training with Winona State faculty, participants will learn how to use the InnoCrate curriculum and kit to bring engaging, hands-on STEM and manufacturing learning into their classrooms. (Expereince will focus on 3-5 kits, but you can take K-2 with you upon completion.)

The workshop takes place over three days on the Winona State campus:
Day 1: Winona State faculty train participating teachers on InnoCrate
Day 2: Training continues with deeper learning and preparation
Day 3: Age-appropriate students join participants on campus, and teachers practice using the InnoCrate kit by team teaching a lesson to 15–20 students

This structure gives teachers the chance not only to learn the materials, but also to practice using them in an authentic teaching setting before bringing them back to school.

Each participating teacher receives a free InnoCrate kit valued at $2,000, along with professional development credit for STEM in Minnesota. In addition, travel reimbursement and kit resupply funds of up to $650 per participant are available. Lunch and snacks will be provided each day.

This is an excellent opportunity for schools that want to strengthen elementary STEM instruction, build awareness of advanced manufacturing pathways, and support teachers with practical, ready-to-use classroom resources.

2026 Workshop Dates
June 10–12, 2026 or August 5–7, 2026

Location
Winona State University campus
In person

Who Should Attend
This workshop is a strong fit for:
K–2 teachers
Grades 3–5 teachers
STEM teachers in elementary settings
Schools looking to expand hands-on STEM and career-connected learning
Educators who want practical tools and training they can use right away

Participants will:
1. Receive hands-on training from Winona State faculty
2. Learn how to teach advanced manufacturing concepts in age-appropriate ways
3. Receive a free InnoCrate kit valued at $2,000
4. Earn professional development credit for STEM in Minnesota
5. Access travel reimbursement and kit resupply support up to $650
6. Practice teaching with students during the final day of the workshop
7. Leave with tools and strategies ready for classroom implementation

Why Attend
This workshop offers more than professional development. It gives teachers the training, materials, and practice needed to confidently bring hands-on STEM and advanced manufacturing learning into their classrooms. For schools, it is a high-value opportunity to invest in both teacher growth and student engagement.

Important Details
Cost: Free
Audience: K–2 and 3–5 teachers
Format: In person at Winona State University
Workshop Dates: June 10–12, 2026 and August 5–7, 2026
Included: InnoCrate kit, lunch, snacks, professional development credit
Additional Support: Travel reimbursement and kit resupply funds up to $650 per participant
Registration: First come, first served
Limit: Up to 2 STEM teachers per school per workshop

Selection Notice: Confirmation of registration/selection will be sent by the end of April 2026

Bring hands-on STEM learning and advanced manufacturing exploration back to your classroom. Register for the InnoCrate Teacher Workshop at Winona State University and gain the tools, training, and support to make a lasting impact for your students.