SciMathMN

2026 STEM Day at the Fair

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Hands-On STEM: Build It. Test It. Change the World

Join SciMathMN in inspiring Minnesota’s next generation of dreamers, builders, and STEM innovators!

This year’s theme is, “Hands-On STEM: Build It. Test It. Change the World” invites young minds to roll up their sleeves and experience the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math through real-world building, experimenting, and problem-solving — proving that learning is most powerful when you can touch it, test it, and see its impact. This theme inspires youth to see themselves as innovators and changemakers, reinforcing that the skills they develop today through hands-on STEM learning are the very skills that will shape healthier communities, drive new discoveries, and transform our world tomorrow.

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, SciMathMN will invite fair-goers to build it, test it, and imagine how their ideas can change the world through hands-on STEM experiences.

Partner with SciMathMN: As a partner, you’ll bring this theme to life, helping participants build, test, and discover through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences. Whether guiding a hands-on activity, showcasing real-world applications, or connecting your work to everyday problem-solving, you’ll help make STEM tangible, relevant, and inspiring. You’ll also have the opportunity to involve your employees in mentoring, demonstrating skills, and sharing how their work contributes to real-world change.

Your Impact:
-Inspire fair-goers to build, test, and think creatively about solving real-world challenges
-Empower youth to explore STEM pathways and careers that make a difference
-Showcase your organization’s role in innovation and its impact on communities
-Engage employees in meaningful volunteer experiences aligned with Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Resource Group goals

(STEP 1) SAVE THE DATE: August 27, 2026

(STEP 2) Explore the 2026 Partnership Packet and set a meeting with SciMathMN

(STEP 3) Complete Partner Application by May 6, 2026

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STEM Day at the Capitol, April 15th, 2026

Mark your calendar and get ready! On April 15th, the Minnesota Capitol will be buzzing with STEM.

SciMathMN and the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem invite you to join us for an afternoon celebrating and strengthening STEM across Minnesota. Connect with educators, industry partners, out-of-school learning leaders, and workforce development organizations who are shaping STEM learning in classrooms and communities across our state.

This is your opportunity to see innovative STEM work in action, build new connections, and join the conversation about the future of STEM education and careers in Minnesota.

Whether you are an educator, community partner, policymaker, or STEM advocate, we hope you will be part of the energy at the Capitol.

Registration to be an exhibitor at STEM Day at the Capitol is now closed. The application portal was open November 8, 2025 – February 16, 2026. 

If you applied to be an exhibitor at STEM Day at the Capitol, the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem, in cooperation with SciMathMN will be reviewing submissions and will reach out and confirm your status by March 2, 2026.

Additional Information About the Day

Through a combination of funds, we are able to offer transportation fund support to schools and groups that will be bringing students to this year’s STEM Day at the Capitol.

Funds are limited, so please complete the request form below as soon as you can, and you will be notified once approved by our committee for support.

If you are planning to attend with 8 or more students and require transportation assistance, please complete the following form.

2026 SciMathMN/MN STEM Ecosystem STEM Day at the Capitol Transportation Reimbursement Form

This event is generously sponsored by Xcel Energy.

https://www.scimathmn.org/2718-2/

Want to make a difference? We Need You!

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SCIMATHMN IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE
CURRENTLY SEEKING BOARD MEMBER APPLICANTS
FOR THE 2025-2026 TERM!

YOUR ROLE
Governance & Oversight: Provide strategic guidance and fiduciary
oversight of the SciMathMN’s operations, budget, and goals.

Mission Stewardship: Champion the mission and ensure all
Minnesotans feel welcome and can participate in the dynamic STEM
landscape of Minnesota.


Ambassadorship: Serve as public advocates for SciMathMN, including
with policymakers, funders, educators, and industry leaders.

Fund Development: Support fundraising through strategic
introductions, match contributions, and engagement in events or
campaigns.

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU:
Attend 6 board meetings annually.
Serve on at least one committee or task force.
Participate in the annual strategic planning session.
Provide input and guidance on key initiatives.
Term length: 2 years, with the option for renewal.
Estimated time commitment: 3–4 hours/month.

We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month for board meetings, every other month starting in September each year.  If this falls on a national holiday, we push it to the next week.

Here is the schedule we have for this year:

Here is the schedule we have for this year:

  • Aug 21st (STEM Day at the Fair-Optional)
  • Sept 15th
  • Nov 17th
  • Jan 26th
  • Mar 16th
  • May 18th

Meetings are 90 mins, and they are full of updates, great conversation, and learning for us all. 

We ask that Board members serve on one of our committees below, and they meet once a month for 45 minutes. ( all meetings are virtual or hybrid)

  • Fund Development
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Policy and Advocacy
  • STEM Day at the Fair
  • STEM Day at the Capitol
  • Curriculum, Standards and Frameworks
  • STEM Network

E-mail exedir@scimathmn.org if you have any questions before you fill out your application.

2025 STEM Day at the Fair

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Minnesota’s biggest celebration of all thing’s science, engineering, technology, and mathematics is SciMathMN STEM Day at the Fair. And in keeping with tradition- we are excited to announce once again STEM Day will be opening day! SciMathMN will bring STEM education providers and corporate leaders together in Dan Patch Park on the Fairgrounds in front of the Grandstand. This year’s celebration is Thursday, August 21, and you are invited!

Want to get more involved? This is your opportunity! The success of the day relies on all the volunteers stepping forward to make it happen. There will be lots to do but also lots of fun to be had. Your participation is key to the success of our annual STEM Day. Learn more about volunteering and sign up HERE!

With exhibitors’ and stage shows throughout the day- families will be able to explore weather, flight, augmented reality, robotics, medical technology, mapping techniques, environmental remediation strategies, 3D printing, and so much more. They will be able to discover STEM education providers that offer programs in schools, in their communities, and in the summer.

SOUTHEAST SERVICE COOPERATIVE AWARDED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERVICE CONTRACT FOR SCIMATHMN

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SciMathMN is pleased to announce that the Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) has been awarded the Executive Director Service Contract. This partnership marks a significant step forward for SciMathMN, bringing together two organizations dedicated to advancing STEM education in Minnesota.

As SciMathMN enters this new chapter in partnership with SSC, exciting developments are on the horizon. From expanded educator resources to renewed advocacy for STEM excellence, this partnership will spark fresh ideas and innovative strategies to support Minnesota’s learners and educators! Read more below or download the full announcement.

SciMath Partnership 5.12.25Download

SciMathMN STEM Day at the Fair 2025!

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We’re excited to invite you to partner with SciMathMN for STEM Day at the Fair 2025. As the biggest STEM event in Minnesota, this is your chance to engage around 15,000 visitors through hands-on STEM experiences at the best day of the Minnesota State Fair.

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Location: Dan Patch Park, Minnesota State Fairgrounds

As a partner, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your organization, inspire future innovators, and connect with a diverse audience. Whether you’re a returning exhibitor or new to the event, we’d love to have you join us!

This year’s theme #YouBelonginSTEM reinforces that everyone has a place in the STEM community and a future in STEM careers. We will celebrate the diverse individuals and roles shaping STEM today while highlighting the opportunities ahead.  

Reach out to Vic Dreier, SciMathMN Interim Executive Director, at execdir@scimathmn.org with any questions.

SciMathMN Celebrates STEM Day at the Capitol!

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Join SciMathMN and the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem for an afternoon of all things STEM at the 2025 STEM Day at the Capitol! This exciting event takes place on Friday, January 31st, 2025 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Minnesota State Capitol (75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St Paul, MN 55155).

What to Expect:

  • Discover innovative STEM programs from in-school and afterschool organizations.
  • Learn about workforce development opportunities in STEM fields.
  • Connect with members of the Minnesota STEM Community.

Why STEM? Watch SciMathMN’s STEM Day video to learn more!

Interested in Exhibiting?

Showcase your STEM program or organization at the event! Click here to learn more about exhibitor registration.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the world of STEM!

Watch last year’s STEM Day at the Capitol video here!

We look forward to seeing you there!