Third Annual STEAM Fair Challenges Young Scientists, Problem-Solvers
Event, sponsored by Infosys Foundation USA, encourages Club Members to Solve Environmental Problems
When today’s youth enter the job market, many will begin careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and accept positions which haven’t yet been created. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects almost 11 million job openings in STEAM careers by 2029, an increase of 8%, compared to the 2.3% projected growth for all other occupations.
Preparing young people for these careers is critical, which is why Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford has partnered with Infosys Foundation USA to fund and expand our Makerspaces in each of our five Club sites.
In these technology labs, young people are learning everything from how to build and code robots to how to design and produce products with laser cutter and 3D printing machines. They’re also expanding their horizons and exploring environmental problems, sustainable farming & hydroponic gardening, and AI technology. In our arts programs, members are producing their own music, either with traditional instruments, or through electronic music production and exploring how technology can enhance creativity.
These new skills are put on display every spring during our annual STEAM Fair presented by Infosys Foundation USA. Now in its third year, the fair continues to challenge young people to combine technology and creativity in a dynamic way.
The 2025 STEAM Fair was held on April 24 at the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club. Members from all Club sites, ranging in age from preschoolers in the Early Learning Center to teens ready to enter the working world, put their projects on display for parents, volunteers and the community to enjoy. The projects included robots, lego creations, wood products created using the glowforge laser cutter, 3D prints, henna art, gardening, clothing & textile design, art and manufacturing.
This year, members were challenged to tackle an environmental problem and create something which could have a lasting impact. Entries into this competition included a solar powered car and 3D printed butterfly feeder. The winning project was titled Petals to Paper. Teens at the South End Club shredded paper headed for the trash to create a paper pulp. They then processed the pulp and added wildflower seeds before cutting the paper into shapes on the Cricut machine. This paper can now be planted, allowing the flower seeds to grow and effectively turn trash into blooms.
Members also used the STEAM fair as an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship. They designed and created products in the Makerspace which they sold at the fair to raise money for their Keystone Leadership conference this summer. It was one more way for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford members to see that learning new technology and skills, really does pay.
