2026 STEMFest
May 13
What is STEMFest?
The future needs problem-solvers, creators, and innovators—and STEMFest is where it starts. Created by Penn College, STEMFest is a high-energy, hands-on event designed just for middle school students. During this action-packed day, students tackle real-world challenges like programming robots, building electrical circuits, and designing popsicle-stick bridges. Along the way, they connect with Penn College faculty, ask questions, and discover how creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking power exciting STEM careers.
Timeline for the Day
8:30 a.m.
Check-in and arrival begins
9:30–10:15 a.m.
Welcome and introduction to Penn College at the Klump Academic Center
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Schools rotate through hands-on academic sessions, lunch, games, and a STEM Challenge
1:30 p.m.
Dismissal to buses at the Klump Academic Center
Quotes from Attendees
St. Joseph School
“They think of engineering as being one thing, and they are already getting exposure to how engineering encompasses so many different fields."
Kurt Eck, a science teacher for St. Joseph School in Danville.
East Lycoming SD
"I think this will get kids interested in STEM fields. Science is something I feel like we need a little bit more in our classroom. Anything we can do to get our kids to see what things they can do in their future is tremendous.”
Stacie Kilgore, a teacher from the East Lycoming School District.
Towanda Area
As for the impact of STEMFest: “There’s a lot of careers out there. A lot of different opportunities and you can do a lot.”
Justin Reynolds, a student from Towanda Area School District.
Highlights from 2025 STEMFest
Details
Things to Know
- Lunch will be provided for the students and teachers.
- Please have your students wear sneakers as they will be walking around campus.
- There must be one teacher for every 30 students. Each teacher may only register up to 30 students.
- Teachers must stay with their students at all times, and we recommend having another chaperone if your group is larger.
Photo release forms will be sent to you once you register. Please hand those out to students and send them back to ced19@pct.edu. If you have a student who does not wish to have their photo taken, please address that in your email. News coverage and Penn College photographers will be notified.
Important Dates
- March 30: Registration closes
- April 3: T-shirt sizes need to be sent to ced19@pct.edu
- April 30: Photo releases need to be sent to ced19@pct.edu