On April 28, POIC, in partnership with the Opportunities Industrialization Center of America, hosted the first inaugural Portland STEMFest, an event designed to expose K-12th grade students to high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and the skilled trades. They brought together 40+ STEM industry leaders and companies who engaged more than 500 K-12 students in hands-on activities, demonstrations, and career exploration.

Activities for students included:

Hands-on STEM experiments and demonstrations
Career exploration in construction, engineering, and technology
Interactive exhibitor booths led by industry professionals
Live problem-solving and design challenges
Exposure to real-world tools, equipment, and career pathways

“We’re so excited to bring STEMFest to the Portland community. If kids are going to be prepared to pursue high-demand careers in the years to come, we have to start enabling them to see themselves in those professions now. Introducing them at an early age will open any door they can imagine,” said Megan Bell, Director of Employment & Training at POIC. POIC is building a K-career pipeline, introducing students to STEM early and connecting that exposure to education, training, and employment opportunities aligned with industry demand.