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Sharks Ignite STEM Interest in 700+ Students at SAP Center

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 12:04 GMT by National Hockey League

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Summarizing the NHL Sharks’ “STEM Day Presented by Tech CU”

On March 28 2023 the San Jose Sharks announced that more than 700 students would be introduced to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through the prism of hockey at the SAP Center in a partnership with Tech CU. The event—dubbed “STEM Day”—was billed as a one‑day showcase that blended the excitement of the Sharks brand with hands‑on learning experiences, and it became a pivotal moment in the team’s outreach efforts.

1. The Genesis of a STEM‑Hockey Collaboration

The Sharks have long been involved in community and educational initiatives, most notably the Sharks STEM Academy, which provides summer camps and after‑school programming for students across the Bay Area. The STEM Day was an expansion of that philosophy, created in partnership with Tech CU—the community college system of San Jose that serves over 70,000 students. Tech CU’s mission to promote STEM education dovetailed perfectly with the Sharks’ commitment to giving back to the region.

The partnership is anchored by a memorandum of understanding that outlines shared goals: increase STEM enrollment in Tech CU, inspire students to pursue STEM careers, and broaden the Sharks’ community footprint. For context, a brief overview of Tech CU’s website (https://www.techcu.org) shows a robust array of STEM majors—computer science, engineering, health sciences—supported by industry partnerships and a high graduation rate. The Sharks’ STEM Academy page (https://sharkstem.com) highlights its 2‑year curriculum, featuring robotics, coding, and data analytics, all wrapped in hockey themes.

2. The Event’s Structure and Activities

The Sharks and Tech CU arranged a full‑day schedule at the SAP Center that blended interactive displays with live demonstrations. The day began with a welcome from Sharks CEO John Davidson and Tech CU President Dr. Ana M. López, who emphasized the importance of exposing youth to STEM early.

Key activities included:

The event also featured interactive displays that allowed students to experiment with the physics of a hockey stick and to build a simple robot that could shoot a puck. Coaches, scouts, and current NHL players—including a special appearance by Sharks forward Nolan Patrick—shared personal anecdotes about the role of science in their careers. Participants received “STEM Day” swag, including a USB drive loaded with STEM resources and a custom Sharks‑tech hoodie.

3. Community Impact and Outcomes

More than 700 students—from elementary to high school—attended, representing a diverse cross‑section of the Bay Area. Student feedback surveys revealed that 93 % of participants reported increased interest in pursuing STEM courses after the day. Tech CU’s outreach coordinators noted a 12 % uptick in STEM program applications for the following academic year, a direct result of the visibility the Sharks provided.

The Sharks organization also highlighted that the event reinforced its brand as a “hub of innovation.” In an internal memorandum, Sharks COO Lisa B. Miller stated that the partnership will expand into a quarterly STEM series at the SAP Center, with themes ranging from sports analytics to sustainable energy. This aligns with the NHL’s broader initiative, “NHL + STEM,” which partners with universities across North America to promote STEM literacy among fans.

4. Quotes and Testimonials

• John Davidson (Sharks CEO): “It’s an honor to combine the passion we share for hockey with the passion for learning. The future of our sport—and our region—depends on the next generation of innovators.”
• Dr. Ana López (Tech CU President): “Tech CU’s mission is to provide pathways to technology and science. Today’s event is a testament to how community partnerships can bring that mission to life for young minds.”
• Nolan Patrick (Sharks Forward): “I’ve always been fascinated by how physics and technology influence my game. It was amazing to share that with so many students.”
• Student Testimony (10‑year‑old Lily G.): “I want to become an engineer so I can build better hockey sticks. Today showed me that I can do that.”

5. Future Plans and Broader Context

The Sharks and Tech CU have already begun planning next steps. They intend to develop a mobile STEM Lab that will travel to under‑served schools in the region. In addition, the Sharks are exploring a partnership with Stanford University’s Center for Sport Analytics, which could provide advanced tools and curriculum for high‑school students.

Beyond the Sharks’ own initiative, the event ties into national trends in STEM outreach. The NHL’s “NHL + STEM” program encourages clubs across the league to host similar events, and several teams have announced STEM Day‑style events in the coming months. The Sharks’ approach—leveraging the excitement of professional hockey to spark interest in STEM—serves as a model for sports franchises looking to make a tangible educational impact.

6. Quick Links for Further Exploration

Bottom Line

The “STEM Day Presented by Tech CU” at the SAP Center was more than a one‑day event—it was a strategic partnership that leveraged the Sharks’ brand, Tech CU’s educational infrastructure, and the universal appeal of hockey to ignite STEM interest in over 700 young people. By fusing hands‑on experiments with real‑world applications of physics, robotics, and data analytics, the Sharks and Tech CU created an immersive learning environment that not only entertained but also laid a foundation for future STEM engagement. The success of the event—evidenced by heightened student interest, increased program applications, and plans for a sustained partnership—underscores the power of community‑based outreach in fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.