On September 29, 500 Mesquite ISD middle schoolers embarked on a day of discovery at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science during United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ annual STEM Fest. 

Part of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, this year’s STEM Fest, sponsored by Rocket Mortgage and DN Tanks, gave students the chance to explore robotics and drones, conduct chemistry experiments and experience the museum’s immersive exhibits. Throughout the day, students connected with 80 dedicated volunteers, mentors and community partners who helped bring STEM concepts to life. 

Creating a Foundation for Success 

STEM Fest is about more than a fun day outside the classroom. It’s an opportunity to spark curiosity, inspire big ideas and help students envision what’s possible for their futures. Experiences like these advance our mission to improve access to education, financial stability and health, because when local students are prepared to succeed in college or a career, they have a stronger foundation for a lifetime of opportunity. 

STEM-related jobs continue to grow across North Texas, outpacing tech hubs like Austin and Silicon Valley. That means early exposure to STEM learning and career pathways is more important than ever. For many students attending STEM Fest, the event provides access to experiences and resources they might not otherwise encounter. 

As Carshundra Watts, senior director of volunteer engagement at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, shares, “This was a great event; it was really impactful. I really hope the Mesquite ISD sixth-graders walk away with a love for STEM. I hope that it will one day inspire them to be engineers, be thought-leaders and do great things.”  

What is STEM education? 

STEM programs for kids expose students to science, technology, engineering and math. These initiatives aren’t necessarily about building technical know-how; they’re about encouraging curiosity, strengthening critical thinking and giving young people the confidence to tackle problems in new ways. Through opportunities to explore, experiment and problem-solve, students develop skills they can carry with them into the classroom, the workplace and everyday life. 

These experiences can also help students see new possibilities for their futures. Hands-on STEM learning encourages young people to build confidence, adapt to new challenges and begin imagining themselves in college and career pathways they may not have previously considered. That’s why at this year’s STEM Fest, we sent every student home with a fun gift bag that included our STEM Career Booklet, featuring volunteers sharing their experience working in a STEM field in North Texas.  

Hands-On STEM Brings Learning to Life 

At this year’s STEM Fest, Mesquite ISD students put STEM concepts into action through engaging activities that encouraged them to experiment, investigate and create. Stations included: 

• Radar and Camera Recognition: This demo turned a simple candy dispenser into a high-tech interactive experience, as students discovered how radar (which detects motion and position) and camera recognition (which identifies what you’re looking at) work together to turn a simple gesture into a delicious reward. 

• Laser Tag Tech-Battle: Students switched between different targeting modes to observe “electrical signatures,” seeing firsthand how sensors detect movement and light during a match. 

• Soccer Exhibit: Students stepped into the shoes of professional athletes and sports scientists as they explore how physics, data analytics and science shape soccer.  

• Challenge Lab: Students built boats out of provided materials that have to successfully float from one side of an “island” to the other. 

• Launch and Learn: Students discovered the extreme challenges of space and the cutting-edge technology from TI that powers every mission. They designed and built their own custom paper rocket, then put their engineering skills to the test with straw launchers to see how fin shape, length and nose cone design impacts a high-speed flight. 

• The Fossil Lab Experience: Students learned about the excavation, preparation and conservation of fossil specimens, including the techniques used to preserve and study the fossils featured at the activity tables. 

Together, We’re Opening Doors Through STEM 

STEM education programs matter here in North Texas, where industries such as engineering, computing and the life sciences continue to create promising career pathways. Connecting students with STEM today can help prepare them to pursue good-paying jobs in the future, strengthening their financial stability while contributing to a more competitive North Texas workforce. 

By expanding access to these experiences for students who might not otherwise have them, United Way and our partners are helping ensure more young people have the opportunity to explore their potential and prepare for what comes next. 

Invest in the Next Generation 

With the support of volunteers, donors and corporate partners, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is expanding access to STEM learning and helping North Texas students build brighter futures. 

You can be part of this work. Invest in our education initiatives with a one-time or recurring gift that supports students right here in North Texas.