Federal Way Public Schools invites pre-kindergarten through 12th-graders and their families to explore, inform, learn and prepare at the Federal Way Public Schools second annual STEM Exploration Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Todd Beamer High School. This event will allow visitors to experience career pathways in science, technology, engineering and math.

According to a FWPS media release, research shows that by the time a scholar is in fifth or sixth grade, many have made a decision about their interest/ability to hold a STEM job. In King County, 37 percent of all jobs are in STEM fields, and events like STEM Exploration Night provide an opportunity for scholars to explore these careers and more.

More than 3,000 scholars, families and community members attended last year’s event.At the upcoming STEM Exploration Night, more than 80 booths have committed to attend, including Google, Boeing, Berger ABAM and Cascade Regional Blood Services. Representatives from higher education programs, including the University of Washington Tacoma, Renton Technical College and Highline College will be present, answering questions and sharing information about their programs.

After-school STEM clubs will return, hosting interactive booths, showing off pieces they’ve created, and students will showcase Sphero programs they’ve built. Other highlights include a Sphero Maze Coding Challenge, a STEM Trades Showcase, and a Women in STEM panel discussion featuring female professionals from Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, Rent My Way and Amazon.

Parking is limited at Todd Beamer High School, so there are six bus routes running to and from the event, stopping at schools and local apartment complexes. There will also be a shuttle running to and from overflow parking lots for the event. PreK–8 grade students must ride the bus with a parent or guardian. High school age students who do not ride the bus with a parent or guardian are required to fill out a permission slip, and bring it when loading the bus. The high school student must ride the same bus to and from the event.

More information, including bus routes and permission slips, is available on the FWPS app and at www.fwps.org/STEMExpo.