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AWIM (A World In Motion) is a PreK-12 program by SAE International that brings STEM education to life through inquiry-based learning. It involves hands-on, experiential activities to help students learn engineering, science, and math concepts in a practical, engaging way.

More About AWIM

AWIM serves students in PreK through 12th grade, with challenges tailored to each developmental stage. The program provides a cumulative STEM experience as students advance through grade levels.

The duration varies depending on the challenge and how it is implemented. Some can be done in a few class periods, while others may span several weeks.

No. AWIM is designed so any teacher—regardless of STEM background—can successfully facilitate. Teacher guides, lesson plans, and optional training are provided to ensure confidence in delivery.

AWIM challenges are organized by suggested grade band based on their respective standards alignment:

• PreK (ages 3–5)
• Primary School (grades K–3)
• Elementary School (grades 4–5)
• Middle School (grades 6–8)
• High School (grades 9-12)

You can select based on your students’ grade level, the time you have available, and which STEM concepts you want to emphasize. To view our 24 challenges, visit our website.

STEM Challenges

Yes. All AWIM challenges are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core Math and ELA, ISTE and/or CSTA computer science standards. SAE provides a full standards alignment guide to help educators map lessons to required benchmarks.

Standards Alignment Guide

Yes. The flexible, project-based nature of AWIM makes it suitable for classrooms, after-school programs, and camps.

Typically, one kit supports about 30 students, working in small teams of 3-4.

Each kit includes the materials and teacher guide needed to run the challenge. The exact items vary by challenge (e.g., vehicles, building materials, measurement tools). All materials and resources included are listed under each challenge on our website.

AWIM Website

Kits can be purchased through SAE’s online order form.

Order Online

If you are interested in funding opportunities, please inquire here.

You can expect to receive your kits within 7–10 business days after placing an order.

Yes. Many kit components are reusable. For kits that include consumable materials, SAE offers some options to order a partial kit that replenishes only the single-use items.

Yes. SAE offers professional development and support resources to help teachers get started and feel confident. If you are interested in training, please contact us.

No. AWIM professional development is provided at no cost.

Yes. SAE is a state-approved professional development provider in several states. Inquire here to see if your state is included.

We encourage you to submit your questions here.

Teachers are encouraged to seek out volunteers in their own communities but can also request assistance finding a volunteer. Log in or create your AWIM Connect account and visit the Communities page to connect with a volunteer.

Volunteers often serve as STEM role models, mentors, or assistants during AWIM challenge activities, adding real-world context to classroom learning.

No. Volunteers enhance the experience for students and for teachers, but the program is designed so teachers can run it independently.

A World In Motion (AWIM) is a STEM outreach program of SAE International designed for PreK-12 students. Volunteers help enrich learning by bringing real-world engineering, science, and problem-solving experience into the classroom. Volunteers may act as mentors, facilitators of hands-on challenges, real-world context providers, and supporters of students’ design, test, and reflection processes.

No, you do not. While having a STEM or engineering background is helpful, the primary requirement is enthusiasm for supporting students and being willing to engage with the lessons. Teachers lead the lesson, and volunteers assist, facilitate, encourage, and help guide students.

Time commitment varies by classroom schedule, the challenge, and whether you are volunteering in person or virtually. Generally, a volunteer might expect to spend one to three hours per visit, possibly visiting multiple times throughout the challenge. Some activities may require preparation or review ahead of time.

Yes! Retired individuals are welcome and often bring valuable experience, mentoring capability, and insight. If you are interested in giving back, your time with AWIM can make a big difference.

We utilize SAE’s Engagement Hub for volunteer registration. To sign up, please register under the A World In Motion Opportunity here.

Register under A World In Motion

You have both options. If you have a local school or district in mind, you can reach out directly; otherwise, AWIM can help by matching volunteers with classes/schools based on your location, availability, and mode of volunteering (virtual vs in person).

Most school-based programs require a background check for any volunteers who will be working with minors. AWIM follows the requirements of the local school or district where you volunteer.

Yes. Volunteers can request an AWIM training session here. Training provides an overview of the challenges, guidance on working with students, and tips to make your volunteer experience successful.

Request Training

A volunteer visit may include helping set up materials, supporting student groups during hands-on activities, asking guiding questions, and joining the reflection/discussion at the end. Volunteers also provide real-world engineering or skills examples that connect directly to the AWIM challenge, helping students understand how what they’re learning applies in practice.

That decision is made case by case between the teacher and the volunteer. In some classrooms, the teacher may lead while the volunteer supports, while in others, volunteers may take on a more active instructional role.

Yes. AWIM offers both in-person and virtual volunteering depending on what works best for you and the school.

LearnTwice™ is SAE’s near-peer mentor program, where university engineering students volunteer in local PreK-12 classrooms to inspire curiosity in STEM. In exchange, your SAE University Programs team earns a stipend, and the classroom receives complimentary AWIM® curriculum, materials, training, and support.

Participating is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Contact a local school or teacher.
2. Support the classroom by visiting in person or virtually.
3. Submit your volunteer hours and receive your stipend.

With current funding, each registered team is eligible to receive a $2,500 stipend in exchange for 30 volunteer hours supporting a local PreK-12 classroom.

Important: All 30 hours must be completed in order for the team to receive the stipend.

Volunteer hours are counted per person. For example, if 3 team members each spend 1 hour volunteering together, the team logs a total of 3 hours, not just 1.

Your volunteer hours can be split between multiple schools.

No. The stipend amount is fixed at $2,500 per team. Additional hours beyond the required 30 will not increase the stipend.

Once your team is registered for a 2026/2027 SAE competition:

1. Sign in to your cdsWeb account.
2. Go to the “Activity Menu.”
3. Under “Team Member,” click “LearnTwice.”
4. Enter your team’s registration order number (from your CDS registration invoice).
5. Fill out the LearnTwice registration form. You will provide your school/teacher/classroom information and specify which AWIM kit you need (kits are supplied free of charge).

To qualify for LearnTwice and be eligible for the stipend, your team must use an AWIM challenge in the classroom. Other activities or continuing the teacher’s own curriculum do not meet the program requirements.

No. The LearnTwice season corresponds with the competition season. You must use a current year competition registration number to participate in LearnTwice. Previous year registration numbers cannot be used.

Each team may only complete LearnTwice once per competition season.

Once approved, you’ll log volunteer hours directly in the online system. Each submission automatically emails your PreK-12 teacher for verification.

Once our system receives verification from the teacher that the team has hit the 30-hour goal, the email address tied to your team’s registration will receive instructions and a reimbursement form. You can select either a check or a wire transfer.

1. University teams: Earn compensation, gain leadership skills, and boost resumes.
2. Teachers & schools: Receive free AWIM curriculum, materials, and support.
3. PreK-12 students: Gain exposure to STEM concepts, teamwork, and career paths.

For questions, please inquire here.

Inquiries