On September 21, 2024, robots and young people filled The New Hampshire Dome in Milford, NH for the New Hampshire Union Leader’s Wicked STEM Expo, a day-long event to connect New England’s youth with the vast science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community in the region. The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) had a high profile at the event, both as a sponsor and exhibitor.
“Wicked STEM is a great opportunity to highlight the incredible STEM programs we offer at every college, as well as apprenticeship opportunities that help cultivate youth interest in future STEM careers,” said Shannon Reid, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Communications at CCSNH.
The Wicked STEM event was created in 2022 to inspire students to explore careers in STEM. The event offers hands-on activities, workshops, and exhibits designed to engage middle and high school students with STEM professionals and opportunities. New Hampshire’s community colleges participated in the first year of the event and CCSNH subsequently hosted a large booth in 2023 before returning in 2024 as a sponsor and exhibitor.
Almost 1,000 people attended the 2024 event and learned about CCSNH’s Early College programs, STEM majors at the seven colleges and apprenticeship opportunities. A team from Manchester Community College (MCC) brought programmable robots that played dice games, Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) brought a robot that drew pictures from uploaded images, and NHTI joined the fun with a collection of student-manufactured objects, including hand-built workshop tools, laser-cut decorations and 3D-printed gears and models, for visitors to handle and explore.
Cory Schofield, Admissions Information Specialist at NHTI, has participated in Wicked STEM since its inception. He commented that it is gratifying to see how the event has grown and the steadily increasing interest in STEM. “This year we spoke to more prospective students and their families than ever. Wicked STEM is a great recruitment opportunity, and highlights CCSNH’s presence throughout New Hampshire communities,” he said.
