CREATE STEM Learning Network
ISSUE 11
On June 11, students from across Cherokee County gathered at Centre Elementary School for SparkSTEM Discovery Day, a hands-on STEM and career exploration event hosted by the CREATE STEM Learning Network in partnership with the local So Cool Summer Camp. The event was designed to spark curiosity, build connections, and introduce young learners to exciting career opportunities within their own community.
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive experiences led by local businesses and industry professionals, giving them a firsthand look at how STEM skills are applied in the workplace. Participants explored topics related to healthcare, manufacturing, finance, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and engineering while engaging in activities that encouraged problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Representatives from Atrium Health Floyd, Emblem Credit Union, PEMCO, KTH Leesburg Products, Bird’s Inc., Coffee World, and Alabama Extension Health & Wellness shared their expertise and helped students discover the many ways STEM connects to everyday careers. Through hands-on challenges and meaningful conversations with professionals, students gained valuable insight into the skills and knowledge needed for success in a variety of fields.
SparkSTEM Discovery Day is part of the CREATE STEM Learning Network’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with real-world learning experiences and helping them explore future career pathways. By bringing together education, industry, and community partners, the event provided students with opportunities to see how classroom learning can lead to exciting possibilities beyond school.
The CREATE STEM Learning Network extends its appreciation to the participating businesses, So Cool Summer Camp, volunteers, educators, and community partners who made this event possible. Their investment in students helps inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and workforce leaders.
The CREATE STEM Learning Network is excited to host two more SparkSTEM Discovery Day events this summer, giving students the opportunity to explore STEM careers through hands-on learning and direct interaction with local industry professionals.
📍 Oxford SparkSTEM Discovery Day
July 16, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
CREATE Technology and Innovation Center, Oxford
Designed for rising 5th–8th grade students, this event will feature interactive STEM experiences led by partners including Alabama Power, New Flyer, Regional Medical Center, and MORE!
📍 Randolph County SparkSTEM Discovery Day
July 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Randolph-Roanoke Career Tech Center
Students in 5th–8th grade will rotate through hands-on STEM stations led by local businesses and industry professionals while learning how science, technology, engineering, and math are used in the real world.
At both events, students will:
🔬 Discover how STEM connects to their classes and future careers
⚙️ Engage with industry professionals and explore workforce skills
🚀 Participate in interactive, hands-on STEM activities
🏭 Learn about local industries and career opportunities in their communities
🙋 Volunteers Needed
Want to inspire the next generation of innovators? We are currently seeking volunteers to help support both SparkSTEM events. Whether you're an educator, industry professional, community member, or college student, your involvement can make a lasting impact on students as they explore future career possibilities.
Click the Volunteer Button below to learn more and sign up!
We want to hear from you! If your school or business has exciting STEM experiences or partnerships between industry and the community, we’d love to feature them in our next issue. Please take a moment to share your story by scanning the QR code or clicking the link to fill out our quick form. Your contribution helps us highlight innovative learning opportunities and inspire others across our community. We look forward to learning about the amazing work happening in STEM near you!