Education Service Center Region 12 was excited to invite the community to the return of its STEMfest community event on Saturday, July 18. The free event aimed to increase interest and awareness in STEM through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations. 

"STEMfest plants the seeds of curiosity, giving kids the confidence to imagine, explore, and create the future,” said Dr. Gabrielle Hill, an Education Specialist at ESC Region. “When children experience STEM through hands-on learning, they don't just learn about the future—they begin creating it."

The theme for STEMfest 2026 was “Moving the Future.” Activities and demonstrations were centered around transportation, including planes, trains, automobiles and more. Attendees had opportunities to learn about different forms of transportation while participating in a variety of engaging activities. The event also featured a Maker’s Space, where attendees built and tested their own paper airplanes. 

Other organizations involved included Temple Train Museum, Waco Fire Department, Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center and more.

View event photos here.