Industry & Schools: A STEM Collaboration

How do you prepare students for jobs that might not exist yet?

In our first episode of This Educational Life, host Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Partnerships Leader at Trane, sits down with Ben Sego, a former NASA engineer turned school board member. Ben brings a unique STEM-focused perspective to education - one shaped by a career spent working on cutting-edge technology for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the Navy.

In this episode, we explore:
🔹 Why STEM education isn’t just for engineers, it’s for everyone
🔹 How Ben’s district is using resourceful innovation to make STEM accessible
🔹 The power of industry partnerships in shaping real-world learning experiences
🔹 How schools can give students a competitive edge with hands-on skills and certifications

Listen now to discover how STEM education can empower students, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation for whatever comes next.

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What is This Educational Life?

What is This Educational Life?
Welcome to This Educational Life by Trane, a podcast sharing real stories of education leaders driving innovation in schools through purposeful, practical change.
Each episode explores how forward-thinking leaders are creating more sustainable, future-ready learning environments—making the most of existing resources, empowering students through real-world experiences, and reimagining what schools can be. From energy-saving initiatives to student-centered innovation, these conversations highlight how today’s challenges can become opportunities for long-term impact.
At Trane, we believe building the schools of the future starts with solving problems today—through sustainability, innovation, and a commitment to preparing students for the future of work. This Educational Life offers ideas educators everywhere can apply to create stronger, smarter, more resilient schools.

Hosted by Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Programs Leader for Trane, the podcast features thought-provoking conversations with leaders who are challenging the status quo and advancing relevance, competitiveness, and possibility in education.

Welcome.