DETROIT, MI — Oct. 15, 2026 — United Way for Southeastern Michigan will host its third annual STEMPossible, an all-day learning experience designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of young STEM leaders. On October 15, the event will bring together 800 fourth-grade students from schools across the region for an immersive experience at the Michigan Science Center.
The event, presented by Presenting sponsor Fifth Third Foundation, offers a dynamic opportunity for student engagement, empowering students through technology and education. With support from Diamond Sponsors Ally Financial, Verizon, and Kyndrl , the day emphasizes innovation, inclusion, and exposure to high-demand career pathways.
Students from participating schools—including Stevenson Elementary, Thompson K-8 (Southfield), Webb Elementary, Hoover Elementary (Hazel Park), Erickson Elementary (Ypsilanti), Herrington Elementary, Rogers Elementary(Pontiac), Ferndale Upper Elementary, Bennett Elementary (DPSCD), Myers Elementary (Taylor), Jefferson Douglas Academy (Detroit) and Oakside Elementary (Waterford)—will explore real-world STEM applications through hands-on activities.
STEMPossible: Mission Code’s planning and execution are driven by United Way’s Tech United CIO group, whose members volunteer their expertise and resources to close the digital divide and increase STEM education and opportunities to students through various initiatives such as STEMPossible and Learning Journeys.
“Ver cómo se ilumina el rostro de un estudiante cuando lanza un cohete que ha construido o dirige una presentación en el planetario es algo inolvidable”, afirma Anup Popat, director ejecutivo de Systems Technology Group (STG) y presidente de Tech United. “Estos momentos despiertan una pasión por el aprendizaje y la resolución de problemas que puede durar toda la vida. Estamos orgullosos de ayudar a crear estas experiencias transformadoras”.”
Students will engage with the Michigan Science Center’s latest exhibits and activities, and participate in a wide range of activities, including an Astronomy Stage Show, Planetarium Exploration, Alka-Seltzer Rockets, Build a Rocketship, and VRstronaut- a virtual reality experience.
“Esta excursión exploratoria ofrece a nuestros alumnos una oportunidad única para ver el impacto real de lo que aprenden en el aula”, afirma Lisa Bernys, directora de la escuela primaria United Oaks Elementary School de Hazel Park. “Desarrolla sus habilidades de pensamiento crítico y les muestra que pueden ser los pensadores, creadores y solucionadores de problemas del mañana”.”
STEMPossible: Mission Code is a key part of United Way’s broader strategy to close technology and opportunity gaps for students.
MEDIA NOTE: The STEMPossible event offers excellent visual and interview opportunities, including:
Interviews: Available upon request include participating students, teachers, and school administrators; Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan; volunteers from the Tech United CIO group; and representatives from presenting sponsor Fifth Third Foundation and other sponsors.
Visuals: Hundreds of students engaged in hands-on engineering activities; interactions with corporate mentors; the expansive event set up at the Michigan Science Center.
Acerca de United Way para el sureste de Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, miembro de la red United Way Worldwide y organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3) de gobierno independiente, trabaja para ayudar a los hogares a ser estables y garantizar que los niños tengan el apoyo que necesitan para prosperar. Durante más de cien años, United Way ha sido un líder en la creación de cambios positivos, medibles y sostenibles en las comunidades del sureste de Michigan. United Way trabaja en asociación con donantes, agencias y socios corporativos y municipales para ayudar a las familias a satisfacer sus necesidades básicas de vivienda, alimentación, atención médica y finanzas familiares, y garantizar que los niños comiencen la escuela listos para aprender y se gradúen listos para la vida. Para donar, abogar, ser voluntario o aprender más, visite UnitedWaySEM.org. UnitedWaySEM.org.
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