Southeastern to host STEM Fest for students, parents
Thursday, August 18, 2022
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Students and their parents will have the opportunity to feed their
minds with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities and
discussions at the fourth annual Back-to-School STEM Fest at Southeastern Louisiana
University Saturday, Aug. 27.
The free event is scheduled at the Pennington Student Activity Center, located
on the corner of University Avenue and General Pershing, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Southeastern’s Director of the Northshore Regional STEM Center Wendy Conarro
said STEM Fest offers fun for the whole family and provides hands-on activities in
science, technology, engineering, and math through games and demonstrations with robotics,
aeronautics, health, medicine, the environment, and more. Booths by over 30 local
industry, education and community partners make STEM Fest a one-stop-shop to learn
about STEM opportunities for students in grades K-12, college and beyond, she said.
“Parents will learn about activities planned throughout the school year to support
their children’s interests and development, such as local clubs, teams, afterschool
programs, summer camps, and more,” said Conarro. “Attendees can also receive tips
on how to prepare for college and careers in STEM fields.”
This year’s fest will include Louisiana National Guard Black Hawk Helicopter,
NASA, the Audubon Zoo, Roomie the Lion, STARLAB, Gator Mobile, Brain Food Truck, flight
simulators, drones and aeronautics, Rigamajig Builder, robotic demonstrations, Esports,
native species exhibit featuring live reptiles and amphibians, coding and computers
and more.
Registration for STEM Fest is free, and the first 500 students pre-registered receive
a free drawstring bag. To register, visit www.southeastern.edu/stemfest. Registration is also available at the door. An adult must accompany all youth, Conarro
said.
Vendor registration to provide food as a fundraiser or activities and information
to promote STEM-related organizations closes Monday, Aug. 22. Registration is available
at www.southeastern.edu/stemfest.