ESC Region 12 to host STEM event

Texas is a STEM industry state, second only to California as having the most jobs in STEM. However, many students are intimidated by STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) or do not understand how it applies to their interests or a possible career. The lack of understanding and/or intimidation of students is likely a significant factor in ID Tech predicting that millions of STEM jobs will go unfilled in the near future. 

Workforce estimates indicate that 1.9 million jobs will need to be filled by 2026. To help prepare the future workforce, Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 and the Ecosystem Design Team are bringing last year’s inaugural STEMfest and a new evening event to create awareness about and increase interest in STEM-related careers for students and the community. The Texas Education Agency established the Texas EcosySTEM, which unites stakeholders to work towards the common goal of increasing access for young people to STEM-rich learning environments.

STEMfest Community Day, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 16, Mayborn Museum

Primarily geared toward 3rd-8th graders, but all are welcome!

STEMfest Community Stroll, 6 - 9 p.m., Saturday, July 16, Downtown Waco.

Touring, Demos, Testing (3rd - 11th Street)

Geared toward high school students, parents & community members

Businesses include Hammer & Stain, Cultivate 712 Art Gallery, Balcones, Waco Escape Rooms, see all businesses & map at the above link.

 “Exposing our community to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will result in a win-win for families and our future workforce, Education Specialist Judy York said. The best way to learn is to engage in hands-on activities and see how it applies to real-world situations.”

“Our ultimate goal is to pique students’ interests and share the numerous job possibilities and paths to STEM careers,” said Math & Computer Science Education Specialist Andi Parr. “I am so thankful to our partners and design team for helping make this event possible.”

Day Activities include:

Coding, robotics & Circuitry 

Fossil exploration

Octonation - interactive learning about the octopus

Water Experiments

Solar Car Race

Presentations on how to connect school programming to careers

Gaming with the Osmo

Free access to all Mayborn exhibits

Hands-on science experiments, such as soda science

Giveaways & Snowcone Truck

Mini laser tag

Crime scene investigations