SmartLab Spark Earns ISTE Seal for Innovation in STEM, Project-Based Learning, and Digital Pedagogy

LONGMONT, CO, USA, August 26, 2025 — SmartLab® is proud to announce that its learning environment and curriculum have once again been awarded the prestigious ISTE Seal of Alignment. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) recognized SmartLab Spark’s commitment to fostering authentic, project-based learning experiences that prepare students with the skills needed for tomorrow’s careers.

The ISTE Seal is awarded only to educational products that meet rigorous criteria for usability, digital pedagogy, inclusivity, and alignment with the ISTE Standards. SmartLab Spark’s recognition highlights its role as a trusted solution that not only promotes critical technology skills but also integrates the learning sciences to support student empowerment, collaboration, and computational thinking.

We are honored that ISTE has once again recognized SmartLab with the Seal of Alignment. This award reaffirms our dedication to creating hands-on, career-connected learning experiences that generate ah-HA! moments and build STEM identity for learners. At SmartLab, we are committed to aligning with the highest standards of digital pedagogy while equipping educators with tools that make a measurable difference in student success.

– CEO Dr. Jennifer Berry

Findings From the ISTE Seal Review

The 2025 ISTE Seal Findings Report affirms SmartLab Spark’s strengths across multiple dimensions of high-quality learning design:

• Empowered Learning: Students engage with open-ended challenges, document their learning through collaboration tools, and apply technology in meaningful ways.
• Knowledge Construction & Computational Thinking: Learners explore real-world issues, collect and analyze data, and apply Claims-Evidence-Reasoning frameworks to solve authentic challenges.
• User Interface & Agency: An intuitive, privacy-compliant interface supports easy navigation, maximizes time on task, and gives educators and students control over their learning journeys.
• Learning Design: Modular, customizable design allows educators to adapt project-based activities across grade levels K–12, supporting differentiated instruction and core curriculum alignment.
• Digital Pedagogy: The platform encourages inquiry through a structured “Explore, Plan, Do, Reflect, Share” cycle, while embedding career connections and collaboration.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: SmartLab Spark integrates diverse role models, closed captioning, high-contrast design, and flexible content delivery to meet the needs of all learners.
• Assessment & Data: Built-in formative assessments and robust analytics provide teachers with actionable insights and enable timely, personalized feedback.

The LearningHub Platform and Integrated STEM Ecosystem

At the heart of SmartLab is the LearningHub platform, which empowers educators to seamlessly guide students through inquiry-based projects while accessing planning resources, assessments, and collaboration tools. The curriculum is built around career-connected STEM learning, helping students see clear pathways from classroom exploration to future opportunities. SmartLab functions as an integrated STEM ecosystem, connecting technology, pedagogy, and real-world problem solving into one cohesive experience. This intentional design nurtures a strong STEM identity in students—building confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in STEM fields that extends beyond the classroom and into lifelong learning and career aspirations.

Leadership Perspective

“We are honored that ISTE has once again recognized SmartLab with the Seal of Alignment,” said Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of Creative Learning Systems. “This award reaffirms our dedication to creating hands-on, career-connected STEM learning experiences that generate ah-HA! moments and build STEM identity for learners. At SmartLab, we are committed to aligning with the highest standards of digital pedagogy while equipping educators with tools that make a measurable difference in student success.”

A Trusted Mark of Quality

By earning the ISTE Seal, SmartLab Spark has demonstrated that it meets the highest standards in instructional technology. The seal serves as a guidepost for educators, schools, and districts seeking trusted, research-backed solutions that inspire students and advance meaningful, student-centered learning.

For more information about SmartLab and its award-winning project-based learning environments, visit www.smartlablearning.com

About SmartLab

SmartLab is a career-connected STEM ecosystem that prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges by building a strong STEM identity—one that includes both technical skill and a mindset that prepares students for real careers, whether or not they eventually choose STEM fields. Each hands-on PBL+STEM solution connects grade-appropriate applications to one of eight industry pathways, helping students solve meaningful problems while developing real-world skills. SmartLab programs include dedicated classroom setups or flexible modular systems, along with standards-aligned curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing technical and curricular support. Students leave believing: I belong here. I can do this. I add value. I’m future-ready. This mindset takes shape through active, student-centered learning cycles—each ah-HA! moment steadily converting raw curiosity into resilient, purposeful problem solving.