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FVTC Launches 'Future Innovators Day' to Boost STEM Interest

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. uture-innovators-day-to-boost-stem-interest.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 17:59 GMT by WFRV Green Bay
      Locales: Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

APPLETON, Wis. (February 19, 2026) - Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is significantly expanding its commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education with the announcement of "Future Innovators Day," a comprehensive event designed to spark curiosity and foster a passion for STEM fields in young learners. While FVTC has held smaller, focused STEM activities in the past, this year's event, scheduled for Saturday, March 7th, 2026, marks a major strategic push to address a growing skills gap in critical STEM professions.

The event, geared towards students in grades 5-8, will transform the FVTC campus into a dynamic learning environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in over 30 interactive stations, each offering hands-on experiences covering a broad spectrum of STEM disciplines. These aren't simply demonstrations; they are designed to be collaborative challenges, encouraging students to work together, problem-solve, and apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways.

"We've seen a concerning trend: fewer and fewer students expressing interest in STEM careers," explains Dr. Evelyn Reed, FVTC's Vice President of Academic Affairs. "This isn't just a local issue, it's a national one. We believe that early exposure and engaging experiences are vital to changing that trajectory. We want to move beyond simply telling kids about STEM and instead show them how incredibly exciting and relevant it is to their lives."

Future Innovators Day will feature dedicated zones focusing on specific STEM areas. The "Engineering Emporium" will allow students to design and build simple structures, test the principles of aerodynamics with paper airplane challenges, and experiment with robotics kits. The "Tech Titans" zone will delve into coding basics using age-appropriate visual programming languages, explore the world of cybersecurity through simulated challenges, and demonstrate the power of virtual and augmented reality. The "Science Spectacular" will include chemistry demonstrations (safely conducted by FVTC faculty and students), interactive biology exhibits showcasing the human body, and explorations of renewable energy sources. Finally, the "Mathematical Mavericks" zone will focus on making math fun and accessible through puzzles, games, and real-world applications - demonstrating how mathematical principles underpin everything from art and music to sports and finance.

Beyond the hands-on activities, Future Innovators Day will feature presentations from local STEM professionals representing a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, environmental science, and information technology. These professionals will share their career paths, discuss the challenges and rewards of their work, and answer student questions. FVTC is partnering with several regional companies - including Kimberly-Clark, Oshkosh Corporation, and Bellin Health - to ensure a robust representation of local career opportunities.

Registration for the event is free and open to all students in grades 5-8. FVTC is proactively reaching out to schools throughout the Fox Valley region, as well as offering online registration through its website (www.fvtc.edu/futureinnovators). Spaces are limited, and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. FVTC is also offering scholarship opportunities to cover transportation costs for students from under-represented schools and communities.

"This event is more than just a one-day activity," Dr. Reed emphasizes. "It's an investment in our future workforce. We hope to inspire these young minds to pursue STEM degrees and careers, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality and innovation of the Fox Valley region and beyond. We are committed to building a pipeline of skilled STEM professionals who can tackle the challenges of tomorrow."

FVTC plans to evaluate the impact of Future Innovators Day through student surveys and tracking participation in subsequent STEM programs offered by the college. The college hopes to make this an annual event, continuously refining it based on feedback and evolving industry needs. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote STEM literacy and cultivate a diverse and skilled STEM workforce.