SmartLab wins 2026 CODiE Award for Best STEM Instructional Solution

SmartLab won the 2026 CODiE Award for Best STEM Instructional Solution and also landed a Product of the Year finalist nod for SmartLab Explorer. The recognition gives the STEM education company independent validation as schools look for career-connected learning that builds student engagement, STEM identity and job readiness.

Why it matters: - The award gives SmartLab third-party validation for a model that aims to do more than teach STEM content. - The company says the approach is designed to build student confidence, durable skills and career readiness in an AI-powered economy. - SmartLab Explorer’s finalist recognition signals broader attention on the company’s learning platform.

What happened: - SmartLab announced on July 22, 2026, that its career-connected learning solution won the 2026 CODiE Award for Best STEM Instructional Solution. - SmartLab Explorer was named a finalist for Product of the Year. - The announcement came from Longmont, Colorado. - SmartLab was selected from 228 finalists across 75 categories in the 2026 awards program. - The CODiE Awards evaluate products through independent industry experts.

The details: - The CODiE Awards judge entries on innovation, functionality, market impact and overall value. - SmartLab’s model combines hands-on, project-based curriculum with industry-relevant tools and technologies, customized learning environments, facilitator professional development and ongoing implementation support. - The company’s STEM ecosystem spans eight application areas: Engineering, Robotics, Scientific Data & Analysis, Digital Media, Environmental Science, Circuitry & Electronics, Software Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing. - Students work on grade-appropriate, career-connected projects that ask them to investigate challenges, design and test solutions, collaborate and communicate ideas. - SmartLab says the program is built to strengthen technical knowledge and durable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability and problem-solving. - The company defines STEM identity as a learner’s belief that they belong, can master rigorous challenges and make a meaningful contribution. - Students move through learning cycles that emphasize exploring, planning, creating, reflecting and sharing. - Educators act as facilitators and receive professional development, instructional guidance, technical assistance and ongoing partnership. - CEO Dr. Jennifer Berry said the award validates work by SmartLab educators, partners and team members. - Kristin Whalen, vice president of product and experience, said the experience is built around exploration, choice, productive struggle, reflection and collaboration. - CODiE Awards president Jennifer Baranowski said the 2026 winners represent innovative and impactful solutions that are solving meaningful challenges and helping shape the future of technology.

Between the lines: - The award suggests buyers and educators are rewarding STEM programs that combine curriculum, space design, teacher support and implementation help, not just devices or software. - SmartLab’s emphasis on STEM identity reflects a broader shift toward student confidence and belonging as part of academic outcomes. - The recognition also reinforces the value of career-connected learning as schools prepare students for jobs that may not yet exist in familiar form.

What's next: - SmartLab said it will continue advancing its curriculum, learning environments, professional development and support model. - The company also plans to expand access to career-connected STEM experiences in schools and communities. - The full list of 2026 CODiE Award winners is available on the CODiE Awards website.