Calling All Future Scientists and Engineers!

‘When I grow up, I want to be a…’ are the famous words of the young people around the world. They go to school, discover what they are passionate about, what they succeed in, and then dream of the career that best fits their interests. But, do all youth see themselves in a role where they can thrive and find success in the STEM field? From our local healthcare workers, to the chemists at the Dow Chemical Company, and engineers in one of our regional manufacturers, how do we shine a light on these important careers for the young explorers in our community today?

Midland is a community that is rooted in our STEM-based industries, and for generations to come, will require a budding workforce of STEM-enthusiasts to fill these careers. That’s why Midland Center for the Arts is proud to energize young science, technology, engineering and math students to showcase their personal discoveries in the first-ever, STEM Festival.

“We know and believe that the future is bright for the young explorers in our community that will choose a career path in a STEM-based field,” said Jennifer Kanyo, Midland Center’s Director of Education. “If we can challenge and inspire these youth to dream of the undiscovered, uncover the unknown, and experiment within these disciplines – we are setting them up for success as they continue their studies and choose the path they will lead for the rest of their lives.”

The STEM Festival will take place on May 22, and invites family, friends and community members to celebrate and explore unique science, technology, engineering and math projects created by students from the Great Lakes Bay Region. But for those future scientists and engineers, they can submit a project proposal for the festival that includes a poster with their chosen science or engineering experiment.

Youth STEM participants should be grades K-8, and should submit their application by April 23, 2021 by visiting MidlandCenter.org/STEMfestival. Applicants will be asked to present their experiment findings during the May 22 event, and will be adjudicated by a panel of judges, with an awards ceremony to follow on May 23, 2021 at Dow Diamond.

Each student participant will receive two complimentary tickets for guests to attend the STEM festival on May 22, with additional tickets available for $5 or free for Museum Members. Masks and social distancing will be enforced during the events. For more information on the event or submitting a proposal, please visit MidlandCenter.org/STEMfestival.