PASSPORT TO TOMORROW

Avondale Library Leads STEM Event

BY: Michele Peters, AZSciTech Writer

Get your passport and get ready to embark on an adventure that might literally blaze a path that will lead you to a fantastic tomorrow.

The Avondale Library will once again be the driving force behind the annual STEM Fest Family Event. And it is THE place to be on March 16^th from 3:30 – 5:30 PM.

Participants receive a passport upon entry. Just like any passport when visiting anywhere in the world, that is the first point of entry into a land or country that leads to new experiences. The STEM Fest Family Event is just that. The event is an entry point to a new and exciting world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). And like a visit to a new country, you’ll learn, experience, experiment and just plain have fun; but this particular adventure may change your life.

The STEM Fest Family Event is a signature event of the Arizona SciTech Festival, is for all ages, and is free to attend. You’ll explore booths with experiments, games, activities, and exciting demonstrations all related to STEM. The festival will feature local organizations, local businesses and the Phoenix Zoo. Get your STEM passport stamped along the way to receive a cool completion certificate!

Jesse Caufield, [INSERT TITLE], when asked why this had grown from approximately 80 in attendance the first year to over 200 last year, commented, “…there is a growing awareness that STEM is the future. This Festival appeals to families, kids and parents alike. The library is a trusted source of information, has been and always will be one of the most trusted sources for our community. For this reason, the library has been recalibrating and focusing more on STEM because that is where the jobs of tomorrow will be; more and more materials are being purchased and made available.”

One of the sponsor companies generously gave the library funds that were used to purchase circuitry. At last year’s festival, a mom came with her three year old (yes, three year old) and together they started to put together the circuit. Caufield remarked she was amazed at how quickly they “hopped on this one activity and became completely involved…together.”

And together, the STEM Fest Family Event is where everyone can enjoy games, demonstrations and see for themselves just how much fun science can really be. And who knows, one of those activities might propel you into a future career in STEM – so many areas to choose from. It just may be your passport to a great career in STEM … your tomorrow.