Podcast Summary
In this episode of The Achieve Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, shares her inspiring journey from professional dancer to educational technology leader and explains how SmartLab is transforming K-12 education through project-based STEM learning. She discusses the importance of helping students build a strong “STEM identity,” which includes confidence, critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, and the belief that they can solve meaningful challenges.
Dr. Berry describes SmartLab’s mission to prepare students for an AI-powered future by creating hands-on learning environments that foster creativity, problem-solving, and systems thinking. Operating in nearly 700 school districts nationwide, SmartLab provides an integrated ecosystem of curriculum, technology, equipment, and facilitator support designed to create sustainable learning experiences.
The conversation also explores how schools, businesses, philanthropists, and communities can work together to invest in durable skills that students need beyond traditional academics. Dr. Berry advocates for greater corporate and philanthropic involvement in education while emphasizing that AI should enhance human thinking, not replace it.
Ultimately, the episode is a call to action for educators, business leaders, parents, and communities to invest in experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for future industries and challenges that do not yet exist.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Achieve Podcast
- Meet Dr. Jennifer Berry and SmartLab
From Professional Dancer to Education Leader
- Dr. Berry’s unconventional career journey
- The impact of hands-on learning in her own life
The SmartLab Mission
- Project-based STEM education
- Building durable skills for the future workforce
- Creating engaging, hands-on learning environments
What Is STEM Identity?
- Defining STEM identity beyond academics
- Confidence, belonging, and mastering rigorous challenges
- Developing systems thinkers and collaborative learners
Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Future
- Teaching students to lead AI, not follow it
- AI literacy, ethics, and critical thinking
- Using AI as a refinement tool instead of a shortcut
Inside SmartLab’s National Impact
- Serving nearly 700 school districts
- Supporting public, private, charter, and community learning spaces
- The SmartLab ecosystem and sustainability model
Marketing and Growth in K-12 Education
- Relationship-driven outreach strategies
- Community engagement and school partnerships
- The role of parent advocacy and local funding
The Need for Business and Philanthropic Investment
- Why corporations should support K-12 education
- Investing in the future workforce
- Education as activism and long-term community impact
The Challenges Facing Modern Schools
- Budget limitations and enrollment changes
- Balancing academic priorities with durable skill development
- Expanding access to experiential learning
Leadership, Innovation, and the Future
- SmartLab’s vision for scalable impact
- Supporting educators and facilitators
- Building hopeful, empowered future leaders