A National Science Foundation grant was awarded to Neil Knobloch, Jason Ware, Hui-Hui Wang (Co-PIs), and Petrus Langenhoven, Betty Feng, Roger Tormoehlen, Bryan Hains, and Kristina Hains (Senior Personnel). The grant titled “Developing and Testing Innovations (DTI): Interdisciplinary iNcubation STEM design challenges through community Engagement with academic and industry Professionals (IN-STEP)” is a three-year NSF ITEST initiative delivering integrated STEM learning experiences to 1,680 urban high school students across four schools in Indiana and Chicago. Using food systems as a culturally relevant context, the project engages students, 70% of whom are from underrepresented groups, in design thinking and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to solve real-world food security and sustainability challenges. Nine teachers will receive professional development in culturally relevant pedagogy and design thinking. Successful implementation will extend the model to 20 STEM-certified high schools serving over 18,000 students, with findings disseminated through conferences, journals, and community presentations.