NC Science Festival Event Connects Youth with STEM Industry and Innovation
HICKORY, NC — May 5, 2025 — More than 2,000 middle and high school students from across
the STEM West region gathered at the Hickory Metro Convention Center on April 16–17,
2025, for STEM Trek 2025, a two-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, and
math. This high-energy event was hosted by STEM West, the Catawba Science Center, and
the Greater Hickory International Council, as part of the North Carolina Science Festival.
This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of several key sponsors,
including Google (primary sponsor), Corning, GKN, NC Science Festival, the Burroughs
Wellcome Fund, and the US Army.
Students explored interactive exhibits, connected with professionals in high-demand STEM
fields, and learned about cutting-edge careers—all designed to ignite curiosity and highlight the
opportunities available in western North Carolina’s growing STEM economy.
“This event is about sparking curiosity and showing students the incredible STEM
careers available right here in our region,” said Carol Moore, Director of STEM
West. “We’re thrilled to see this many young people engaging with passionate
professionals and exploring futures in science and technology.”
STEM Trek 2025 Featured More Than 40 Exhibitors, Including:
- Higher Education & Training: Appalachian State University, Caldwell Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, Isothermal Community College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Mitchell Community College, North Carolina School of Science and Math, Western Piedmont Community College, BioNetwork, Be Pro Be Proud, Western Piedmont NCWorks Career Center
- Industry & Innovation: Corning, Cummins, Design Foundry, Manufacturing Solutions Center, McCreary Modern, Inc., US Conec, Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions, ZF Chassis Components, LLC, Cargo Transporters, Vulcan Materials Company, Shurtape, Clean Water Lab
- Healthcare & Public Services: Catawba Valley Medical Center, Blue Ridge Health, Hickory Fire Department, Republic Services–Catawba County, US Army, US Air Force
- STEM & Community Partners: Google, Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Foothill Community Workshop, Hyperformance Graphics, SSHS Lego Robotics Group, Catawba Science Center, STEM West, Western Piedmont Council of Government, Betabox
One participant shared, “The event was a meaningful and engaging experience, and I appreciate all the hard work that went into making it a success.”
Held annually as part of the North Carolina Science Festival—a month-long statewide
celebration of STEM organized by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center—STEM Trek
continues to foster regional collaboration between schools, businesses, and community partners
committed to building a strong pipeline of future-ready talent.
For more information about STEM Trek or to get involved in future STEM West programming,
visit www.stemwest.org.
About STEM West
STEM West is a regional initiative that works to align education with workforce development
needs by promoting quality STEM education and career exploration throughout western North
Carolina.
About the NC Science Festival
Founded by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the North Carolina Science Festival is
an annual statewide celebration showcasing the educational, cultural, and economic impact of
science.