Education Industry Insights: A Q&A with Liz on Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

WhyMaker is dedicated to designing the future of education by empowering educators and inspiring students. In a recent conversation with Liz Gallo, our founder, we delved into current educational trends, common challenges in STEM program adoption, and the pivotal role of businesses and government agencies in education.

Q: What’s a trend in education you’re excited about, and why?

Liz: I'm particularly excited about Career & Technical Education (CTE). Students engaged in CTE programs boast a 95% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 80% rate among traditional high school students. Even if they don't pursue careers in their CTE fields, they acquire essential workplace skills—such as collaboration, customer service, and project management—that are invaluable in any profession.

Q: What’s a common mistake schools or districts make when trying to adopt STEM programs?

Liz: A prevalent misconception is the "if we buy it, they will come" mentality. Providing teachers with the latest STEM gadgets doesn't guarantee their integration into the classroom. Technical training alone isn't sufficient. Effective adoption requires job-embedded professional development, where dedicated coaches with classroom experience collaborate with teachers—planning, practicing, and reflecting on using the new STEM tools. This hands-on approach is central to our methodology at WhyMaker.

Q: How do businesses or foundations benefit when they invest in educational programs like the ones WhyMaker offers?

Liz: Investing in educational programs where we develop content for educators and students allows businesses and foundations to enhance their community presence and introduce students to potential careers within their industries. When we educate teachers about a business, what is happening in that industry, and the career pathways available, they in turn, share that information with a much broader student audience than a business would reach on their own. These educators become champions of the business and the industry and help prepare students for a career they may not have considered before. 

Q: What’s the most innovative idea you’ve seen from another thought leader in the education space?

Liz: Looking ahead to 2025, I'm excited about emerging STEM products like Lectec's STEM skateboard and Imagi, the Tamagotchi of coding. These innovations promise to make STEM learning more engaging and accessible for students.

Q: How can government agencies better support education and professional development?

Liz: As some of the largest employers in the U.S., government agencies could actively engage with schools to highlight the diverse career opportunities they offer. They often have meaningful missions or initiatives that, when shared, can extend into the community as students discuss their learning with their families. WhyMaker facilitates these connections, helping agencies share their initiatives with students, and we’ve seen it amplify their reach and impact.

At WhyMaker, we’re passionate about equipping educators with the tools, training, and innovative ideas they need to inspire the next generation. Whether it’s fostering career-ready skills through CTE programs, providing hands-on professional development for STEM integration, or bridging the gap between industries, government agencies, and schools, our mission is clear: to make education meaningful, impactful, and forward-thinking.

We invite you to join us in designing the future of education. Whether you’re a business, foundation, or government agency looking to make a difference, or an educator eager to spark curiosity and creativity in your classroom, WhyMaker is here to help you turn vision into action. Together, let’s empower today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.