More than 350 middle school students participated in the third annual STEMFest hosted by Pennsylvania College of Technology, gaining exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers through hands-on technical workshops, including nondestructive evaluation activities.
The event brought together students from schools across Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Northumberland, and Tioga counties. Supported in part by the EQT Foundation, the programme featured faculty-led sessions designed to introduce students to practical applications of STEM disciplines and technical careers.
Among the featured activities was a nondestructive testing workshop where students examined weld quality using X-ray and ultrasonic inspection methods, providing early exposure to inspection technologies used in industrial quality assurance and asset integrity applications.
“Kids should know about STEM career possibilities because many of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers are connected to science, technology, engineering and math,” said Kathy D. Chesmel, assistant dean of materials science and engineering technology. “Early exposure helps students discover their interests, build confidence in problem-solving and understand how STEM skills can lead to meaningful careers that improve lives and strengthen communities.”
The programme also included workshops in robotics, electronics, construction, civil engineering, surgical technology, heavy equipment operation, polymers, and forestry-related disciplines. Students participated in activities such as programming microcomputers, building toolboxes, mixing concrete, and testing structural bridge models.
According to a report referenced during the event, STEM occupations are projected to grow significantly faster than non-STEM roles through 2034, reflecting increasing demand for technical skills across industrial sectors.
“Kids only know what they have had the opportunity to see and experience. Going to STEMFest gives them the ability to see a variety of different professions that they were probably never exposed to,” said Luke Herron, a technology education teacher at Central Mountain Middle School. “When kids can interact with the faculty and spend a day at Penn College, they begin to feel like more things are possible for them.”
Educators attending the event highlighted the impact of hands-on technical learning, particularly in areas unfamiliar to many students.
“They enjoyed the hands-on experiences because they were able to actively build, test and create instead of just listening to presentations,” said Daun Williamson. “Building a toolbox in the construction session was a highlight for many students because they were able to use real tools and take pride in creating something they could bring home. The nondestructive testing activity also captured their attention because it introduced them to technology and techniques they had never seen before.
“Overall, the activities encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and creativity, and many students left talking about new career interests and opportunities they had not considered before.”
The event focused specifically on middle school students, reflecting efforts to build awareness of technical career pathways during formative educational stages.
“Research shows that middle school is a critical time for STEM career exposure because students are beginning to form lasting ideas about what they are good at and what careers are possible for them,” Chesmel said. “Early, hands-on STEM experiences help students build confidence, develop problem-solving skills and increase the likelihood that they will pursue technical education and careers later in life.”
Melissa Bhattacharya, an eighth-grade science teacher attending her third STEMFest, said the programme had influenced students’ long-term career interests.
“The impact of STEMFest is visible in the long-term career aspirations of my students,” she said. “One student was unsure about careers after high school and began seriously pursuing an engineering career after seeing practical applications at STEMFest. Another student was inspired by the variety of STEM topics and is now considering a career in science education.”
Reference: https://www.psu.edu/news/penn-college/story/stemfest-middle-schoolers-held-penn-college
