BEYA STEM Conference: Advancing Military and Civilian Excellence in STEM
The BEYA STEM Conference is a premier event dedicated to fostering STEM workforce development, professional growth, and career advancement. It serves as a national forum for recruitment, networking, and leadership training, bringing together top professionals, military personnel, and students who represent the highest standards in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The conference provides a unique platform where leaders from military and federal agencies engage with private industry, academia, and STEM professionals to address critical workforce needs and technological advancements that enhance national security and defense readiness.
The BEYA Stars & Stripes event recognizes exemplary leadership and technical expertise within the U.S. Armed Forces and defense communities. Each year, this event highlights outstanding contributions from active and retired military personnel, senior officers, and members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) who have demonstrated excellence in advancing STEM initiatives critical to national defense.
Each year, a different military service branch is featured to ensure broad representation across the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard Bureau. In 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard will be the featured service, showcasing its leadership in maritime security, technological innovation, and STEM-driven mission readiness.
Recognizes a senior officer who has served with distinction in advancing STEM readiness, leadership development, and technological innovation within their service. The recipient must have contributed to missions related to procurement, development, or implementation of new defense technologies and systems while upholding the highest standards of service and professionalism.
Awarded to an SES member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in enhancing military STEM capabilities, driving workforce innovation, and strengthening national security objectives. The nominee must have a proven track record in supporting technological advancements, STEM education, and mission-critical defense initiatives.
Recognizes a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) or chief petty officer who has exemplified technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to STEM-focused military operations. The selectee must have played a pivotal role in developing and implementing defense-related technologies and ensuring operational excellence in STEM-driven fields.
Honors a GS-14/GS-15 or equivalent leader from a federal agency within the Department of Defense who has made a profound impact on their agency’s STEM initiatives and workforce development programs. The nominee must have demonstrated excellence in mission execution, leadership, and innovation to advance national security and defense priorities.
The BEYA STEM Conference fully aligns with the Department of Defense’s mission by:
Strengthening the STEM workforce to support national security and defense readiness.
Recognizing military excellence based on leadership, technical proficiency, and service impact.
Providing professional development to enhance operational effectiveness and career progression.
Encouraging collaboration between military, industry, and academia to drive technological innovation.
Join us at BEYA Stars & Stripes 2025 to celebrate military STEM leadership and engage in high-impact discussions on advancing national security through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.