Port Byron Central School District is thrilled to announce that it has been inducted as a Woz Ed STEM District of Distinction.

Assistant Superintendent Katie Naples attended the 2024 Pathway Conference, held in Scottsdale, Arizona, where co-founder of Apple and education visionary Steve Wozniak personally inducted this year’s honorees, recognizing their exceptional commitment to STEM education.

Port Byron's decision to adopt and implement the entire suite of Woz Ed curriculum across its schools was made with a focus on providing equitable STEM learning opportunities for all students. The district has integrated all ten Woz Ed pathways into the elementary school and five pathways into the high school curriculum.

Woz Ed provides more than just STEM activities. It provides a comprehensive learning system that builds on itself as students’ progress through grade levels. The district’s goal is to embed these practices into everyday teaching, ensuring hands-on, career-aligned learning opportunities for all.

Students across the district are already benefiting from this forward-thinking approach. From robotics and coding to cybersecurity and stop-motion animation, the curriculum aligns with real-world applications in the tech economy.

The impact is clear in the response of the elementary students. 

“When the students see the STEM cart coming into the classroom their eyes light up,” Naples said.

She noted that they’re so excited to learn in a hands-on way. It’s an entirely new way of engaging with material.

This excitement extends to higher-level programs, such as 3D printing and mobile app development for grades 5-8 and drone technology in the high school. The district will be enhancing other courses as well, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Steve Wozniak, during his fireside chat at the conference, shared the inspirational story behind the invention of the first Apple computer, complete with rare photos of working with Steve Jobs in its early days of development.

“It’s fascinating to think about—computers didn’t even really exist, and he designed the first Apple I and Apple II computers,” Naples said.

By investing in Woz Ed’s career-aligned pathways, Port Byron is empowering students to explore future-ready careers and navigate a rapidly evolving tech-driven world. The district’s leadership in STEM education exemplifies what it means to prepare students for tomorrow.

Learn more about Woz Ed and its Pathway Districts at wozed.com.