WTH: WestGate Holding 2 STEM Events

WestGate Academy will be the host site for science, technology, engineering and math or STEM-related events next week. Kim Frazier, director of business operations for STIMULUS Engineering, said Get Outdoors or GO Day will be held on June 9 from noon until 8 p.m. and the Running for Our Future 5K will be held on June 10 from 8 a.m. until noon. “These are two sister events aimed at the promotion of science, technology, engineering, arts and math or STEAM, in our region,” said Frazier. “Both days will feature plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.” Inflatables, archery, disc golf, remote control planes and drone demonstration are all part of the festivities. “We began GO Day last year as a way to remind people that there are many outdoor activities available while providing exposure to STEAM and careers at the same time,” said Frazier. Also part of GO Day will be first responders and members of the National Guard who will be onsite with their emergency and military vehicles. During the inaugural GO Day, Frazier said between 500 and 600 people from across the region came to WestGate. “To date, we have almost 400 already registered in groups for the day and are expecting 700 or more attendees,” she said. “We have also added a few new things to the lineup including horseback riding with the Monroe County Saddle Club. This is the first time we have partnered the events together, carrying over most of the GO Day activities from Friday into Saturday morning. We hope the runner will bring their families with them and stick around to enjoy some free family fun.” The Running for Our Future 5K was started by the late Captain Chuck LaSota, founder of the Battery Innovation Center in 2013, as a fundraiser for the STEM scholarships awarded to Hoosier high school seniors. Registration for event,which is also open to youth can be completed online at www.signmeup.com by searching for the Running for Our Future event. Cost is $30 for adults and $20 for youth age 12 and under. Same day registration is also available, but Frazier said those registering before the event will automatically receive a chance to win several prizes. “We, at the BIC (Battery Innovation Center), are excited to have chances to provide fun-filled educational opportunities for our surrounding community,” said Ben Wrightsman, the chief operations officer or COO of the BIC. “While seeing the smiles on the faces of the people who live here is reason enough to host such events. It is all part of the broader mission of increasing awareness of STEM education and career opportunities.” Wrightsman said the weekend events are only two of a series the center will continue to support, including the Career and Technical Education Summit, Crane Community Christmas, Team Crane Science Fair and many others. “We use outreach opportunities to provide information on educational opportunities and program that are available,” said Wrightsman. “One of those programs, the Electronics Fundamentals Certification, is housed right inside the Battery Innovation Center. The current class is almost halfway through their certification, and we are currently enrolling students for the next morning classes that will begin in August and run through May. We have grant funding available to cover the full cost of the certification for eligible students, so we would love to hear from anyone interested in enrolling.” Frazier said there’s an added perk for students who attend either GO Day, the 5K or both events. “Students who attend either or both of the events will automatically receive 5 points on their scholarship application,” she said, adding those wanting more information on how to apply for the scholarships should contact her. “In addition, students who participate in the 5K will receive an additional 5 points.” With a current and growing demand for employees with STEM education and background, Frazier said early exposure and awareness are ways the pipeline can be developed for the next generation of employees. “In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, these events provide an opportunity to be exposed to activities and technology that may not otherwise be available,” said Frazier adding that volunteers are also needed to help man stations during the events. GO Day and the Running for Our Future 5K are made possible by STIMULUS Engineering, the Battery Innovation Center, Precise Systems, Celebrations of Southern Indiana, Smithville and the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation. For more information on the events or to volunteer, contact Frazer at 812-863-2756 or events@stimulusengineering.com.