Students from 11 school districts participated in the annual STEM Trekkers summer program held at Syracuse University’s Link Hall. The event, a collaboration between the Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY) and the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), was designed to foster early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among children in grades five through nine.
During the three-day program, students engaged in hands-on activities such as building paper airplanes to learn about aerodynamics. Kasey Laurent, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, explained the educational value behind these exercises: “When the kids are so immersed in the science behind building paper airplanes and trying out different models, it might seem like chaos, but they’re learning and the whole process is quite gratifying.”
The STEM Trekkers initiative began in 2021 when Program Chair Sue Sobon identified a need for more interactive learning experiences for young students. “I saw a need for our kids to be more hands-on with what they were learning. This program has strong ties to Syracuse University. Our students hear from professors and students in different fields. The kids learn that a STEM career is something they can pursue,” said Sobon, who teaches science at Pine Grove Middle School.
This year’s curriculum covered topics including plastics and polymers, nanotechnology, microplastics, microbiology, and open-source data. Rodrick Kuate Defo, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science, noted the importance of exposing students to emerging technological fields: “Technology is so important in our daily lives, and I’m excited to introduce these students to areas that are growing in importance.”
Other ECS faculty members who volunteered included Yiyang Sun (assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering), Venkata S.S. Gandikota (assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science), Eric Finkelstein, and Lihong Lao from the BioInspired Institute.
Sun emphasized the impact of providing young people with opportunities to explore STEM subjects: “We try to spark their STEM interest when they’re young so they can think about what it would take to study STEM in the future. The research we do provides the students with a high-level understanding of the topics we’re teaching.” Sun added: “I feel excited when I see the kids getting excited and feeling inspired by this research. When they ask more about college life, the future of aerodynamics and what it takes to succeed in this career, that’s the most rewarding part.”
The program also offered mentorship opportunities for participants as they interacted with university faculty and students during lessons and activities. Kuate Defo commented on this aspect: “By showing examples of students who have taken this path, the kids can realize that a STEM career is possible for them. They can see themselves following this path. We want to spread the excitement by showing them cool examples of a particular scientific concept.”
Laurent highlighted how experiential learning helps students apply classroom concepts beyond specific activities: “Since they know the science behind how to build paper airplanes, maybe they now can look at how birds can fly. These exercises present so many lessons for them to draw from.”
Sobon stressed that exposure remains central to inspiring children’s interest in STEM careers: “This is all about exposure. How will a child know if they’re good at something if they don’t get exposed to it? I want the kids to see everyone working together on these projects, and to know there’s always a space for them and a place for their interests.”
In addition to faculty involvement from Syracuse University, community partners contributed demonstrations on real-world applications of STEM concepts. Partners included representatives from the City of Syracuse’s department of information services, the Upstate Freshwater Institute, and the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency.
The organizers hope that by offering practical experiences led by university faculty alongside community engagement efforts, more local youth will view STEM careers as attainable goals.
