Third Annual STEM Night: A Community Celebration of Innovation, Fun, and Football

The Eastern Michigan University (EMU) STEM Education Institute kicked off the new school year with excitement by leading the annual Ypsilanti Community Schools/Lincoln Consolidated School District STEM Night. This event is always a highlight in the community, bringing together families, educators, and curious minds for an evening filled with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and this year did not disappoint.

Our team was enthusiastic about putting this event together, and we were proud to share our core mission: education, outreach, and workforce development. We were especially honored to host the welcome table, which featured a stamp hunt activity. Attendees were encouraged to explore the event by visiting different STEM stations across the high school campus, collecting stamps as they went. This interactive scavenger hunt created an engaging way for students and families to learn more about STEM while sparking a sense of adventure.

The event showcased a wide variety of tables, including the EMU geology station, engineering demonstrations, the STEM education table and more! Each station had its own unique setup, offering games, interactive activities, and information for parents, students, and community members. These stations highlighted not only the academic programs at EMU but also the important role that STEM fields play in the broader community. One of the most popular stops of the evening was the Ypsilanti High School Robotics Team. Their table featured a robot they had built themselves, designed to kick a ball across a platform they constructed. Watching the robot in action drew a crowd and demonstrated the creativity and technical skills that students are developing right here in Ypsilanti.

Beyond the hands-on activities, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for families and community members to connect with one another. Conversations at the tables often led to discussions about career pathways, classroom connections, and the real-world applications of STEM. The atmosphere was welcoming and energetic, with families eager to explore and students excited to put their brain power to work. This annual event is more than just a showcase—it’s a bridge between schools, universities, and the wider community. It opens doors for networking, fosters curiosity, and encourages lifelong learning. For many students, it’s also a first glimpse into the possibilities that STEM careers can offer.

Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without the lively atmosphere outside of the STEM stations. New this year was a halftime drone show led by Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Food trucks, local vendors, and music added to the sense of celebration, making the evening not only educational but also fun for the whole family. The atmosphere felt like a community festival centered on the power of learning.

The EMU STEM Education Institute is grateful for the opportunity to plan and lead this event each year, and we are already looking forward to the next one. A special thank-you goes out to our staff and volunteers who helped with setup, hosting, and clean-up—you made this experience possible. As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, we are excited to continue building partnerships, inspiring students, and sharing the message that STEM is for everyone. Events like these remind us of the incredible impact that education and outreach can have when a community comes together with a shared goal: sparking curiosity and preparing the next generation of STEM students