A.J. Balatico is a Ph.D. candidate in Learning Sciences at the University of Washington College of Education. He is currently serving as the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. For six years, A.J. was a high school physics and chemistry teacher in southeast Louisiana who mentored FIRST robotics teams. He believes that K-12 STEAM programs not only promote building robots but building character. The opportunities for leadership, creativity, fun, outreach, and learning foster the development of a goals-oriented, growth mindset. A.J. has made it his life’s mission to spread the wildfire of hands-on, minds-on learning to create a better future together.