Begin your STEM journey here
Technology Exploration Saturdays is a FREE three-part series of hands-on STEM activities for Peninsula-area 7th and 8th-grade students and their parents. The activities, as well as career planning sessions for parents, are hosted by community partners across the Peninsula.
Applications: Open November 1 – December 12
Program Dates:
January 24, 2026: Virginia Peninsula Community College
February 7, 2026: Virginia Air and Space Science Center
March 21, 2026: Newport News / Williamsburg International Airport
Contact: Phoenix Williams, pewillia@odu.edu
Calling All 7th and 8th Grade Students in the Peninsula Area! Are you ready to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? Have you ever dreamed of flying drones, designing your own 3D creations, or seeing how engineers and rocket scientists turn big ideas into reality? If that sounds like you — this FREE, hands-on STEM adventure is calling your name!
Join Us for Technology Exploration Saturdays! A three-part series packed with interactive STEM fun for students and their parents! Each Saturday offers something new and exciting:
🛸 Drone Flying: Take the controls and learn how to pilot a drone like a pro!
🏭 Behind-the-Scenes STEM Industry Tours: Go inside real labs and engineering facilities to see STEM in action!
🧩 Hands-On Experiments & Team Challenges: Build, test, and problem-solve your way through exciting challenges!
🖨️ 3D Printing: Design and print your own creative project to take home!
No STEM experience? No problem! Whether you’re new to STEM or already love science and technology, this program is built to inspire, engage, and empower every participant.
Series Description
Technology Exploration Saturdays offers a three-part series of hands-on STEM activities designed for 7th and 8th-grade students and families in the Peninsula area. This unique opportunity allows participants to dive into interactive sessions, workshops, and career planning resources, hosted at various locations across the Peninsula.
Program Dates and Locations:
🏭Virginia Peninsula Community College — January 24, 2026
🏭 Virginia Air and Space Science Center — February 7, 2026
🏭Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport — March 21, 2026
Eligibility
This experience is open to 7th and 8th grade students from Peninsula area school divisions, including Williamsburg-James City County, York County, Hampton, Gloucester County, Newport News, Isle of Wight, and Poquoson.
To participate, students must be U.S. citizens and submit an application signed by a parent/guardian through their respective teachers.
How to Apply
- Apply through our online application