From Imagination to Innovation . . . HCS-Sponsored 4th Annual STEM Exploration Event Inspires and Engages Hundreds

The 4th Annual STEM Exploration Community Event, sponsored by Hampton City Schools and held on Saturday, October 26, was a resounding success! More than 600 enthusiastic youth and families gathered at the Brooks Crossing Innovation & Opportunity Center in Newport News, transforming curiosity into creativity and sparking excitement for the future of STEM.

In partnership with Coastal Virginia STEM Hub, the National Institute of Aerospace, the city of Newport News, Virtual Science Teachers, Brooks Crossing, and Old Dominion University, Hampton City Schools has proudly supported this free event since its inception. This year, the event brought together participants from across the region, with students and families from Chesapeake, Henrico, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Williamsburg-James City County, Virginia Beach, and York County schools—along with homeschoolers and private school attendees.

The atmosphere was electric as participants explored 41 hands-on STEM exhibits. Inspiring speakers set the stage for a day of innovation, including Kecoughtan High School senior and National Institute of Aerospace STEM student ambassador Julia Diggs, CEO of Virtual Science Teachers Suzanne Sprague, and STEM and Arts Education advocate Lily Donaldson. Their journeys and insights were inspiring to attendees pursuing their passions in STEM field.

Representing Hampton City Schools, the four specialized programs showcased their talents and engaged the crowd. Kecoughtan High School’s Women in STEM Club (led by Renita Bostic), Hampton High School’s Maritime Academy (led by Connor Dunn), and Academy of Technology and Engineering (guided by Selah Powell), and Bethel High School’s Transportation, Analytics, Information, and Logistics Academy (led by Alex Minter) were all there to connect with students and share their exciting programs.

A special thank you goes to Digital Learning Specialist Megan Julien and Julia Diggs for their hard work on the event planning committee. This annual STEM event continues to be a beacon of opportunity and inspiration, fueling the future of STEM education in our community.