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Students and their parents will have the opportunity to feed their minds with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities and discussions at the third annual Back-to-School STEM Fest at Southeastern Louisiana University on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The free event is scheduled at the Pennington Student Activity Center, located on the corner of University Avenue and General Pershing, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Southeastern’s Director of the Northshore Regional STEM Center Wendy Conarro said STEM Fest offers fun for the whole family and provides hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math through games and demonstrations with robotics, aeronautics, health, medicine, the environment, and more. Booths by dozens of local industry, education and community partners make STEM Fest a one-stop-shop to learn about STEM opportunities for students in grades K-12, college and beyond, she said.

“Parents will learn about activities planned throughout the school year to support their children’s interests and development, such as local clubs, teams, afterschool programs, summer camps, and more,” Conarro said. “Attendees can also receive tips on how to prepare for college and careers in STEM fields.”

This year’s fest will include STARLAB, Gator Mobile, Brain Food Truck, flight simulators, drones and aeronautics, Rigamajig Builder, robotic demonstrations, native species exhibit featuring live reptiles and amphibians, coding and computers and more.

Registration for STEM Fest is free, and the first 500 students pre-registered will receive a free drawstring bag. To register, visit online at www.southeastern.edu/stemfest. Registration is also available at the door. An adult must accompany all youth, and masks will be provided since they are required, Conarro said.