NWTC STEM Fair Brings Hands-On Career Exploration to More Than 2,600 Middle School Students

More than 2,600 middle school students visited Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) this week for one of the area's largest STEM fairs, taking part in a two-day, hands-on event designed to connect classroom learning to college pathways and in-demand careers.

Held on NWTC's Green Bay campus, the STEM Fair featured a "choose your own adventure" format that allowed students to rotate through interactive demonstrations based on their interests. Activities included exploring virtual reality experiences, riding a hovercraft, and practicing medical skills such as placing an IV in a simulated patient — giving students a firsthand look at how science, technology, engineering, math and healthcare translate into real-world careers.

"This is about building excitement in STEM early on," said Sarah Scharenbrock, manager of recruitment and admissions at NWTC. "When students can explore hands-on, try new technology and experience a college campus at this age, it helps connect learning to real career opportunities."

Students from more than 20 public, private and charter schools across the region took part in the STEM Fair. Led by NWTC faculty and staff alongside local employers and industry partners, the event introduced students to college environments, hands-on labs and emerging technology tied directly to current workforce needs.

The STEM Fair was made possible through the support of event sponsors, including Elite Group, NEW Manufacturing Alliance, Foth, Green Bay Packaging, and Waupaca Foundry, whose partnership helps expand access to hands-on learning experiences for students across the region.