Drake University will host a free, family-friendly STEM Festival for students in grades K-12 and their families. The festival, scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, will feature interactive learning activities, hands-on demonstrations and fun make-and-takes. Booths will be hosted by local business and industry, high schools and colleges, Drake University professors and students, and area students and professionals. The event is free and open to the public.
“Drake’s STEM Festival provides a one-stop exposure to a variety of STEM majors and careers,” said Sarah Derry, manager of the South Central Iowa STEM Hub located at Drake University. “It’s an exciting way for kids to see the application of the things they’re currently learning in science and math courses.”
Partnering with the STEM Hub and the Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research, Drake hopes to introduce Iowans to educational and career opportunities offered in STEM. Once curiosity is sparked, its potential is limitless.
The value of STEM festivals lies in the dreams they inspire today and the futures they create for tomorrow,” said Drake pharmacy student Jason Babcock, a member of Drake’s Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.
This year, exhibits will include Drake’s exercise science and sport medicine program, the Drake University Department of Math and Computer Science, the optical and physics programs from Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Public Television, Iowa Flood Center, the Science of Yoga, Mercy College, Robert Half Technology, American Radio Relay League, Camp Invention, Cognizent Technology, Dess Music, Painted Wings Art Studio, Polk County Agriculture in the Classroom, and the Hyperstream club at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines.
“Spreading awareness of the opportunities available through the STEM fields has been incredibly rewarding,” said Drake senior Meredith Moore, a member of the student-led Women in Math and Computer Science Club.
The event will be held on the Entrance Level of the Olmsted Student Center, located at 2875 University Ave. For more information or to register, please visit https://scstemhub.drake.edu/. Walk-ins are welcome.