HISTORIC TRIANGLE — In an effort to show off the benefits and fun of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the Williamsburg chapter of STEM Without Boundaries (SWB) will host a Virtual STEM Night on Saturday, March 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SWB is a collective of students and adults nationwide who work to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM by hosting events like STEM Nights. During these events, educators and STEM professionals showcase their work in hopes of inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM.
The upcoming event will be the second virtual event hosted by the group, with the last one held in December 2020. More than 70 students were in attendance to hear presentations from eight organizations, including five college programs.
This year’s event is being organized by local high school students Madison Lilly and Daniel Fleming who are very excited to show fellow students from all over the Greater Hampton Roads area the wonders of STEM fields.
“Seeing the effect of the first STEM night on people was really rewarding,” Fleming said. “Seeing the kids really engaging with the presenters was really special because that was definitely the experience that I have had in the past with STEM.”
Lilly, who is the chapter founder and president, agreed and noted that SWB is a great way to encourage young women to go into largely male-dominated fields within STEM.
Lilly said of the past event, “One of the most rewarding things was seeing all these young girls coming to the STEM Night and getting more confident to be in this traditionally male dominated field, and being able to help erase that stereotype.”
This year’s Virtual STEM Night will be held over the virtual platform, Zoom. It will feature presentations from NASA Langley, Virginia Tech Material Engineering, Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Richmond Astronomical Society.
There is no price for admission, but registration is required. For those wishing to register, please click here. For more information on the event or on the Williamsburg Chapter of SWB, contact Madison Lilly at madison@stemwithoutboundaries.org
