STEM Within Reach
Research, Experiment, Apply, Communicate, & Hypothesize!
In an effort to promote and encourage young people’s knowledge and access to science, technology, engineering and math careers, Columbia State is hosting its sixth outreach event on Saturday, October 25, 2025 on the Columbia Campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia.
Follow the links below to register for the event, view the agenda, or submit a scholarship application. Limited financial assistance opportunities are available via the scholarship application thanks to our sponsors. If you are interested in submitting an application, please do so before completing your registration.
WHAT IS STEM Within reach?
- One-day STEM forum
- Open to all 6th, 7th & 8th graders
- Interactive hands-on STEM activities
- Provides awareness of STEM careers available in Tennessee
- Promotes and encourages early student success in STEM
- Promotes the scientific and technological understanding of STEM fields
- Event registration includes a STEM Within Reach T-shirt and boxed lunch
STEM Within Reach Workshops
The STEM Within Reach workshops are designed to teach middle school students about the different opportunities in STEM-related careers as they begin to think about their futures.
Stations will be set up around campus for the students to observe and participate as Columbia State faculty and guest presenters guide them through an interactive hands-on experience.
Topics include animal science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, math, technology and more. The following are just a few of past workshop stations (stay tuned for a full list of upcoming events):
- Livestock Optical Examination (aka Cow Eyeball Dissection)
- Science in VR
- Drone Flight Course
- Dungeons & Pythons: Beginner Game Development with Python
- Science of Cardiac Assessment
- Chemistry Flame Tests
- Self-Sustaining Ecosystems
- Forensic Anthropology
- Creating Holograms
- DNA Extractions
Parents & Teachers
For those that would like to stay near campus, complementary WiFi and lounge areas will be available for parents and teachers for the duration of the event. In addition, parents and teachers are invited to attend an optional information session and tour with information on how their children can pursue resources and careers in a variety of STEM fields.
STEM Careers
| Architect | Astronomer/Space Scientist | Biologist | Chemist | Computer Systems/Game Designer |
| Electronics | Energy Technology | Engineer | Environmental Management | Mathematician |
| Physicist | Plant/Soil Scientist | Robotics Research | and more |
Did You Know?
Only 8.9% of Tennessee college degrees and certificates awarded in the STEM field.
STEM is not emphasized in early education. Only 26% of elementary schools and 38% of middle schools offer computer science classes.
18 out of the 20 highest paying job titles in the U.S. are STEM jobs. The average annual wage for STEM workers is more than double their counterparts.
is International STEM Day. Celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
