The Kent State University at Salem campus hosted the first-ever STEM University, a free daylong event in September organized by the Columbiana County Educational Service Center for area students in pre-K through fifth grade.
Several local businesses and organizations provided more than 30 different hands-on activities for kids to learn how STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects are used every day by firefighters, police, nurses, pilots, farmers, teachers, those who work with animals and many more.
Representing Kent State Salem were faculty and students from the nursing, radiologic technology, horticulture and early childhood education programs.
The group included more than 150 students from 20 area school districts, including preschools, private and public schools.
“It was so cool to see the kids fully engaged in the different activities and to witness their excitement at learning new things,” says David Dees, Ph.D., dean of the Kent State Columbiana County campuses. “The sponsors and presenters offered unique opportunities for the kids to have fun while learning. It was a great day!”