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.
“Watching a student’s face light up when they launch a rocket they built or navigate a planetarium show is unforgettable,” said Anup Popat, CEO, Systems Technology Group (STG), and Chair of Tech United. “These moments ignite a passion for learning and problem-solving that can last a lifetime. We are proud to help create these transformative experiences.”
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.
“This exploratory field trip provides a unique opportunity for our students to see the real-world impact of what they learn in the classroom,” said Principal Lisa Bernys of United Oaks Elementary School in Hazel Park. “It builds critical thinking skills and shows them that they can be the thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
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.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than one hundred years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
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