STEM TREK 2026

STEM West

Catawba Science Center

April 18, 2026

STEM Trek 2026 at Catawba Science Center drew a strong crowd of more than 300 attendees for a day focused on hands-on learning and exploration in STEM. The event was made possible by a small but dedicated team of 7 staff members, along with 49 professionals who led activities and shared their expertise, and 13 volunteers who helped keep everything running smoothly. Support from partners and donors, including Pepsi, the SALT Block, and BioNetwork, played an important role in bringing the program to life and expanding its impact across the community.

Take a look below at the photos of the business professionals who generously shared their time and expertise with students throughout the day.

BETABOX

Betabox is a mobile innovation lab designed to bring emerging technologies directly to communities, schools, and events. Housed in a retrofitted shipping container, it offers hands-on experiences with tools like virtual reality, 3D printing, and advanced robotics. By making cutting-edge tech accessible in an interactive setting, Betabox helps spark curiosity, build digital skills, and inspire people of all ages to explore careers in science and technology.

FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

Foothills Community Workshop is a community-focused makerspace that provides access to tools, technology, and collaborative work areas for people interested in building, creating, and learning new skills. It brings together hobbyists, students, and entrepreneurs to work on projects ranging from woodworking and fabrication to electronics and design. By offering workshops, shared equipment, and a supportive environment, the space encourages innovation, hands-on learning, and community collaboration across the foothills region.

NC WORKS

NCWorks is North Carolina’s statewide workforce development system that connects job seekers with employers and career resources. Through local NCWorks Career Centers, individuals can access job search assistance, resume support, training programs, and career counseling, while businesses receive help with recruiting, hiring, and workforce training. The program aims to strengthen the state’s economy by preparing a skilled workforce and helping people find meaningful employment opportunities.

NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) is a prestigious public residential high school that serves academically talented students across North Carolina. With campuses in Durham and Morganton, NCSSM offers a rigorous curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, along with opportunities for research, internships, and collaborative learning. The school aims to cultivate future leaders in STEM fields while providing students with a strong foundation in critical thinking and innovation.

CENTRO INC

Centro Inc. is a manufacturing company that specializes in rotational molding, producing custom plastic products for a wide range of industries such as agriculture, marine, medical, and industrial applications. With facilities across North America, Centro focuses on creating durable, high-quality molded parts like tanks, containers, and specialized components. The company is known for its engineering support, helping clients design and develop products from concept to production.

KEEP CATAWBA COUNTY BEAUTIFUL

Keep Catawba County Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the local environment through education, litter prevention, recycling initiatives, and community beautification efforts. Serving Catawba County, it organizes volunteer cleanups, promotes environmental stewardship, and works with schools, businesses, and residents to create a cleaner, greener community.

CORNING

Corning Incorporated is a global technology company known for its expertise in materials science, particularly glass, ceramics, and optical physics. Founded in 1851, Corning develops innovative products such as specialty glass for smartphones, fiber optic cables for telecommunications, and advanced materials used in life sciences and environmental technologies. The company plays a key role in industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and communications, helping drive technological advancement worldwide.

PISGAH ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a nonprofit research and education center located in the mountains of western North Carolina. It is housed on a former NASA tracking station and features large radio telescopes and scientific equipment used for astronomy, atmospheric science, and space research. PARI also offers educational programs, STEM camps, and public outreach events, giving students and visitors hands-on opportunities to explore space science and learn about astronomy in a real research setting.

SHURTAPE

Shurtape Technologies LLC is a manufacturing company based in North Carolina that produces pressure-sensitive tapes and adhesive solutions for a wide range of industries. Its products are used in packaging, construction, HVAC, automotive, and retail applications. The company is best known for brands like Duck Tape and Shurtape, and it focuses on innovation, durability, and reliable performance in both consumer and industrial markets.

HICKORY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Hickory Fire Department is the municipal fire and rescue agency serving the city of Hickory, North Carolina. It provides fire suppression, emergency medical response support, fire prevention education, and community safety services. The department also conducts inspections, public outreach programs, and training to reduce fire risks and improve preparedness. Its mission is to protect lives, property, and the community through rapid response and proactive safety initiatives.

MECHANICAL MINDS

Mechanical Minds is a STEM-focused program in Catawba County that engages students in hands-on learning experiences centered around robotics, engineering, and problem-solving. It provides opportunities for youth to design, build, and program mechanical systems while developing teamwork and critical thinking skills. Through competitions, workshops, and mentorship, Mechanical Minds helps students explore careers in technology and engineering in an interactive and supportive environment.

The Mechanical Minds team is also fundraising to support their trip to Worlds, where they hope to compete against top robotics teams from around the globe. These funds help cover travel, lodging, and competition costs, giving students the opportunity to represent their community on an international stage and gain valuable experience in high-level STEM competition.

https://www.facebook.com/MechMinds6639

4-H

Catawba County 4-H is part of the national 4-H youth development organization that serves young people in Catawba County, North Carolina. It offers hands-on learning experiences in areas like agriculture, science, leadership, and community service. Through clubs, camps, and projects, Catawba County 4-H helps youth build confidence, develop practical skills, and become engaged leaders in their communities.

NC BIONETWORK

North Carolina BioNetwork is a statewide biotechnology education and training initiative that helps prepare students and workers for careers in the life sciences industry. It provides hands-on learning experiences, lab training, and outreach programs that connect science education with real-world applications in biotechnology, healthcare, and research. By partnering with schools, community colleges, and industry leaders, NC BioNetwork strengthens the biotechnology workforce in North Carolina and promotes interest in STEM careers through interactive and engaging activities.

NC BioNetwork sponsored five hands-on activities for children, with volunteers helping to run each station. Participants made binary code keychains, built small helicopters, created light-up name tags, dug for fossils using soil from Aurora, North Carolina, and contributed to collaborative animal murals. The activities blended science, engineering, and creativity to give students an engaging introduction to STEM concepts in a fun, interactive way.