Building on the momentum of the previous two events, Wayne State’s third annual STEM Day is expected to draw 2,400 sixth- through ninth-grade students to participate in more than 80 interactive sessions throughout campus on Tuesday, March 12.
The event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., combines learning and experimentation in all areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Students from more than 25 schools in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties will learn how these fields can create pathways toward careers in those key areas.
“It’s encouraging to see what Wayne State University is doing to lead the way toward creating a skilled workforce and charting a path to success for all Michigan students,” said interim State Superintendent Sheila Alles. “The event keeps growing and providing meaningful introductions to STEM subjects to young students from a broad cross section of Michigan school districts. We commend Wayne State for its continuing leadership and innovation in helping Michigan become a top 10 education state in 10 years.”
In addition to the sessions, attendees will experience Wayne State through campus tours and a complimentary lunch. STEM Day is free and open to teachers and their classes, as well as individual and home-schooled students.
Julie Hasse, Wayne State’s associate director of marketing and communications, said this year’s STEM Day has far outpaced registration numbers from previous years. “Last year we doubled our available spots and had to close registration after reaching our 2,000 capacity — in just 10 minutes. This year it happened even faster. We think the word has really gotten out about what a meaningful and rewarding event STEM Day is.”
Hasse said that for the first time in the event’s existence, there are major sponsors on board. Microsoft, STEM.org, Mike’s Pizza Bar and Bel Dene Produce have pledged their support and sponsorship. “It’s a tremendous win for us and the STEM Day event to have the support of such great corporate sponsors.”
This year, each of Wayne State’s 13 schools and colleges will be involved in STEM Day, including Wayne State’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the School of Medicine. “It’s important that we emphasize that STEM is not the sole domain of the hard sciences,” Hasse said. “STEM is an important part of each college and school at Wayne State, and we strive to make sure that students in every area of study have access to STEM-related instruction and opportunities.”
“An investment in knowledge ultimately pays the best dividends and that is what we are doing here by supporting the educators who are accompanying their students at STEM Day 2019 —with complimentary online training and curriculum,” said Andrew Raupp, founder and executive director of STEM.org. “We hope that other community partners will follow suit and become involved with this exceptional event next year.”
Limited space is still available for individual students from area middle schools or who are homeschooled for WSU’s third-annual STEM Day on March 12. Learn more information and let us know you are interested in attending our free event by visiting stemday.wayne.edu. The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 6. You can also volunteer at stemday.wayne.edu.
For a full description of all STEM sessions and activities, and other important event information, go to stemday.wayne.edu/sessions.