STCC gears up for Massachusetts STEM Week Oct. 16-20

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will host events on campus focused on science, technology, engineering and math during STEM Week Oct. 16-20.

The free events are open to STCC students and the community at large. The celebration of STEM kicks off Friday, Oct. 13, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., with “Family Science Night!” which features hands-on activities including music, games, food, prizes and giveaways.

“Edutainer” Mike Davis, a chemistry professor and host of Family Science Night, will dazzle attendees on Oct. 13.

“Edutainer” Mike Davis, a chemistry professor and host of Family Science Night, has been performing science demonstration shows for more than 20 years in the United States and Ireland. He combines humor and education into his show.

The college on Oct. 18 will feature a live presentation over Zoom from Dr. Margaret Dominguez, a NASA optical engineer. She is Associate Branch Head of the Optics Branch at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and has conducted optical design, alignment and metrology on the ground support equipment for the James Webb Space Telescope.

STCC’s Optics and Photonics program, the only program of its kind in the region, provides an excellent starting point for students considering a career path similar to Dr. Dominguez’s, said STCC’s Dean of the School of STEM Lara Sharp.

STCC is one of several community colleges across the state planning events and activities during the sixth annual Mass STEM Week, an initiative organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council. Other higher education institutions, K-12 schools and non-profits that help promote careers and programs in STEM fields also are participating in the statewide effort to boost interest and raise awareness of STEM.

STEM Week is a terrific opportunity for our students as well as people in the community to have fun learning about our programs and the variety of career pathways. Lara Sharp, Dean of STEM at STCC

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is sponsoring and hosting the week which is focused on encouraging students to “See Yourself in STEM.”

At STCC, the STEM Week events are sponsored by the Title V and HSI STEM grants and the STEM Starter Academy. STCC is federally designated as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

“As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC is proud to offer essential STEM educational programs. Some of our programs cannot be found anywhere else in the region,” Sharp said. “STEM Week is a terrific opportunity for our students as well as people in the community to have fun learning about our programs and the variety of career pathways. We encourage students, families and residents to join us during this special week..”

Other events planned at STCC include “Animal Science,” a therapeutic activity that features piglets, goats, bunnies, lambs and more. Attendees can interact with the animals and learn about their biology.

One of the “tasty” events is called Science of Chocolate. The event featuring fruit, s’mores and fondue will uncover the science behind chocolate.

The week will wrap up with a Back to Business Career and Transfer Fair for prospective students, current students, alumni, and friends searching for their next career move or interested in learning more about four-year college transfer options.

The following is the lineup of STEM Week events:

  • Family Science Night, Friday, Oct. 13, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Scibelli Hall (Building 2)
  • Animal Therapy, Monday, Oct. 16, 12:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m., Outside of Scibelli Hall (Building 2)
  • Donuts with the Deans, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Putnam Hall (Building 17), Room 425
  • NASA Optics Engineer, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 12:15 p.m., Scibelli Hall (Building 2), Seventh Floor: Margaret Dominguez, NASA Optical Engineer, will speak over Zoom about her path.
  • Science of Chocolate, Thursday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., Putnam Hall (Building 17), Room 425
  • Career and College Transfer Fair, Thursday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-noon, Scibelli Hall (Building 2)

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu