STEAM Pathways

The Coalition continues to grow, and we are excited to invite you to STEAM Connect Pop-Ups, a new series of events that connect current professionals with the next generation of STEAM talent.

Please consider offering a Pop-Up at your workplace to help guide next-Gen STEAM Pros down enriching career pathways.

If you are not yet a member, please join the Steam Pathways Coalition and become part of the next-gen of STEAM professionals! It’s free.

What we do

MIneCraft screen shot - roadway with buildings and trees

We BUILD current and next-gen professionals. STEAM Minecraft™ & Pathways Program events, hosted by BESThq, curate like-minded builders via innovative and inspiring activities promoting the amazing world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). Typically, we will provide snacks, technology tools / laptops, a secure server and space for building with current and future STEAM pros. In 2020, we adapted to a FULLY VIRTUAL experience using Zoom with Breakout Rooms and our in-house, cloud accessible Minecraft Server. This evolved to a hybrid experience with both on-site and remote participants. View Pix.

For this 2025-26 school year, we have built the STEAM Connect Pop-up Program, to bring youth to real STEAM workplaces, to see where STEAM careers can lead and learn from real STEAM Pros about their own STEAM career pathways. Register for these free events here

Uniquely positioned as a business community with deep STEAM roots, we “intentionally intersect” and open pathways for development of youth, as well as seasoned pros.

Impact

Adult helping a child on the computer

From our first STEAM Minecraft Night in 2016, over 1,000 kids of all abilities have learned teamwork, problem solving, public speaking and leadership in a fun, creative and confidence building program. We’ve completed nearly 100 events in Oregon and Washington, including livestreams monthly through the pandemic!

Over 100 STEAM professionals have “paid it forward” by mentoring, coaching, and creating pathways to successful careers for kids.

See the article “Full STEAM Ahead: Tech & DHS Collaboration Keep Students Engaged” featuring program impact and opportunity in My Oregon News (State of Oregon publication).

Our purpose

Children Presenting their MineCraft Game

BESThq’s STEAM Minecraft, Pathways and Connect events activate, engage and grow, future & current STEAM Professionals with collaborative and creative learning through STEAM-focused planning, design, and building using tools such as the virtual, sandbox game Minecraft, coding, Legos™, 3D printing and Lego Robotics as well as on-the-job experiences with the current STEAM Connect. Beginning with late elementary and middle school youth, with focus on underrepresented communities & those with exceptionalities, the program encourages STEAM pathways while building three areas: Minds, Relationships and Opportunity.

STEAM Connect Pop-UP with iUrbanTeen: Bridging the Future | Interstate Bridge Replacement Next-Gen Experience

You are invited to STEAM Connect Pop-up at Interstate Bridge Repair Project (IBR)