STEM Greater Houston ignites passion for science, technology, engineering and math at inaugural STEM Fest

"Houston, we have a SOLUTION" - Over 600 students, parents, and volunteers discovered the world of STEM at the MI3 Center.

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, STEM Greater Houston celebrated its inaugural STEM Fest at the MI3 Center in Houston, Texas, engaging over 600 students, parents, grandparents and volunteers. This milestone event highlighted the growing partnership between STEM Global Action and STEM Greater Houston, powered by ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the ASME Foundation. With more than 60 hands-on interactive stations, STEM Fest engaged young minds and cultivated a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

"By bringing STEM to underrepresented communities, we are creating pathways for future innovators and leaders," said Dr. Calvin Mackie , founder and CEO of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action . "Through collaboration and events like STEM Fest, we're empowering students to pursue careers in STEM, helping to shape the engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers of tomorrow."

A Day of Hands-on Learning: Empowering Students from K-12

STEM Fest featured over 60 interactive stations that captivated K-12th grade students from 183 schools, allowing them to dive into STEM activities ranging from flying drones to building motorized cars. These experiences not only sparked curiosity but also provided practical applications of scientific principles and engineering concepts.

STEM Fest is designed to engage participants of all ages, with parents and even grandparents getting involved with their K-12th graders in the hands-on activities, ensuring the entire family experiences the excitement of STEM together.

“Through STEM Fest, we're demonstrating the vast potential of STEM careers to young students, especially those who are often underrepresented in these fields,” said Stephanie Viola , Managing Director of Programs & Philanthropy for the ASME Foundation. “By showing them the endless possibilities that STEM offers, we hope to inspire a new generation of problem-solvers and creators.”

A Community Effort: 51 Volunteers and Industry Mentors Lead the Way

With the dedication of 51 volunteers from various local colleges, STEM industries, and ASME, K-12th graders connected with mentors, learned about diverse STEM careers, and gained valuable insights into the skills needed for future success. Volunteers provided 153 mentor hours working alongside the students, offering guidance and inspiration throughout the day.

“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and support of our volunteers and industry partners," said Dr. Mackie. "Their dedication to mentoring and shaping the next generation of STEM professionals is invaluable. We are proud of the difference we are making in these students' lives."

A Diverse Audience: Making STEM Accessible for All

The success of STEM Fest was not only measured in attendance but also in its ability to reach and inspire a diverse group of students. Of the 408 K-12th graders registered, 231 were boys and 177 were girls. 57% qualified for the free and reduced lunch program, underscoring the event's commitment to providing equitable access to STEM education for students from underrepresented communities.

STEM Fest’s free admission, made possible through the generous support of ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the ASME Foundation, ensured that all students—regardless of their economic background—could experience the power of STEM firsthand.

Partners and Sponsors: A Collaborative Effort to Expand STEM Access

STEM Greater Houston, powered by ASME, and STEM Global Action are committed to transforming the local STEM landscape, providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for all students. These organizations came together to create a platform for hands-on STEM engagement and career exploration, with the goal of inspiring young minds and ensuring that STEM education is accessible to all students in the Houston area.

Impactful Outcomes: A Strong Start to a New Chapter in STEM Education

The success of Houston's STEM Fest marks only the beginning of the collaboration between STEM Global Action and STEM Greater Houston. With plans for future events and continued support from ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the ASME Foundation, the organizations are committed to fostering a larger, more diverse and inclusive STEM pipeline in Houston and beyond.

"We believe that first introductions to STEM are incredibly powerful," said Stephanie Viola. "Through these events, we open doors for students to discover and explore STEM careers, and ultimately, realize their full potential."

As STEM Fest wound down, students, parents, grandparents and volunteers alike walked away with an expanded vision of what is possible in STEM. For many, it was the spark they needed to ignite a lifelong passion for learning and innovation.

A Bright Future for STEM Greater Houston

The inaugural STEM Greater Houston STEM Fest was a momentous success, shining a spotlight on the limitless potential of today’s youth. By ensuring that students from all backgrounds are given the resources, exposure, and support to pursue STEM careers, STEM Greater Houston and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.

As a leading organization in expanding access to STEM education, STEM Global Action , alongside its partners, remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. For more information about STEM Global Action, visit stemglobalaction.com.

For additional information about ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) visit asme.org.

For more about the ASME Foundation, visit asmefoundation.org.

More action-packed photos from the STEM Greater Houston inaugural STEM Fest...