Get ready to join us for an exciting week dedicated to advancing inclusivity and opportunity in
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)! ​
PSEC's 3nd annual Philadelphia STEM Equity Week will be celebrated from
October 25th to November 1st with a variety of activities for all ages. ​
From an adopt-a-tree activity to an Educator Conference and our STEMposium
there is something for everyone. ​​​​​
We will be adding activities in the coming weeks! Come back to explore more STEM opportunities.
Join us for PSEC's signature event, the "STEMposium: Building Sustainable Transformative Economic Mobility Pathways". Mark your for October 30, 2025, and join us at Franklin Institute from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM for an inspiring day of learning and collaboration.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with leaders and innovators in the STEM field!
Let's celebrate together and highlight the dynamic STEM programs that Philadelphia has to offer!
Click the name of the activity below for a full description, directions, and registration.​
*We will be adding activities in the coming weeks, so come back to explore more STEM opportunities.
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Saturday, October 25​
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PRISE STEM Educator Conference - 8:30am-2:00pm - Every year in October, PRISE (Philadelphia Regional Institute for STEM Educators) holds a one-day conference. Entry is free, food is provided. So please, come by: share your love of STEM, network, make a friend. We do this for the love of the work.
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eCLOSE Institute #Class2Lab Workshop: Teacher PD - 9:00am-2:00pm - Join us for a full walk-through of the new eCLOSE instructional platform. Class2Lab includes resources links, lab protocol videos, lecture content, worksheets, and lessons to cover 3+ weeks!
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Stories of Science: Spooky Science - 10:00am-5:00pm - Join us at the Science History Institute Museum & Library for a family-friendly program that highlights the many surprising and spellbinding stories from the history of science. This month we are ushering in spooky season with science history that may give you a fright! As part of this event, we also have a special programing from 11:00am to 2:00pm to celebrate National Chemistry Week: The Hidden Life of Spices. You won't want to miss this!
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​Build a PC with Launchpad - 10:00am-1:00pm - Learn the fundamentals of computer hardware and practice taking apart and putting back together computers in this hands-on workshop at Launchpad.
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Fall Adopt-A-Tree Event Trees for Watershed - 10:30am-12:00pm - Join us with your family to adopt and plant trees at Riverbend.
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Robot Builder's Experience with Brooklyn Robot Foundry - 11:00am-12:30pm - Join the excitement as Brooklyn Robot Foundry fuels the kick‑off to Philadelphia STEM Equity Week with a hands‑on robot‑building extravaganza that will spark creativity and curiosity in builders of all age​
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Neighborhood Innovation Challenge - 11:00aM-2:00pm - STEM Prep Academy invites families and community members to join us for the Neighborhood Innovation Challenge, where children use STEM to reimagine and improve their community.
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Sunday, October 26
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DVINITI Skin Care Make-n-Take - 1:00pm-4:00PM - DVINITI invites families, youth and all beauty enthusiasts to join us in the studio lab for a fun and interactive in-person event at DVINITI SKIN CARE. Learn to create skin care demo to make and take home!
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Monday, October 27​
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​Wildcat Workshop@ Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy - 4:00pm-6:00pm - Join our school's students, families, and teachers for an early evening of games, puzzles, creativity, and collaboration—all inspired by mathematics!
Tuesday, October 28
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DNA Detectives: Investigating the Basics of DNA - 5:30pm-7:00pm - Join the School District of Philadelphia's Parent & Family University in this fun event. Become a DNA detective in this fun, hands-on family workshop: build a candy DNA model, discover how traits pass down, and extract your own DNA to earn a Junior DNA Detective certificate!
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Jumpstart Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Workshop - 6:00pm-8:00pm - Join us in this teacher/educator virtual Artificial Intelligence PD by Jumpstart to explore how AI works and how to use it to enhance teaching, student engagement, and STEM learning.
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Wednesday, October 29
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SHPE National Convention 2025 - SHPE National Convention serves as one of the country’s largest, annual gathering of talented STEM students and professionals. The convention runs from October 29th to November 1st.
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Sixers Math Hoops Training Camp - 4:30PM-5:30PM - Join us in teacher/educator virtual professional development by Learn Fresh. NBA Math Hoops leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math and leadership skills through a basketball-themed board game, curriculum, and community experience.
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STEM To Skin: Equity in Innovation 2025 - 5:00pm-7:30pm - Join us for an innovative, hands-on experience that highlights the intersection of cosmetic chemistry, entrepreneurship, and STEM education, empowering diverse youth to explore science, beauty, and equity pathways.”
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Thursday, October 30​
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STEMposium: Building Sustainable Transformative Economic Mobility Pathways - 8:30-3:30pm - PSEC's Signature Event! Join us for a day of celebration, networking, and forward-thinking conversations designed to shape the future of STEM in our region.
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Friday, October 31
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STEM Equity Week: Halloween Edition - 3:30-5:00PM - Where spooky fun meets science. Join us at the Providence Center for a frightfully STEM-tacular Halloween!
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Tech Career Talk & Cb: Info Session - 4:00-6:00pm -It may be a spooky night, but there’s nothing spooky about tech! In conjunction with the Philadelphia STEM Equity Week, Coded by: is hosting high school students for a Tech Career Talk and Info Session about our upcoming winter/spring sessions
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Saturday, November 1
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5th Annual WINS Intern Poster Presentations and Panel Discussions - 10:00am-2:00pm - Meet our phenomenal WINS participants and learn about their amazing real world experiences working with scientists in our collections and labs.
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Stories of Science: Feasting on Chemistry - 10:00am-5:00pm - Join us in our museum at the Science History Institute for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!​
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Spooky Creature Feature: Bats! - 12:00-4:00pm - This Saturday Open House at the Wagner Free Institute of Science offers live science demonstrations, hands-on activities, and an opportunity to explore the Wagner's historic 19th century science collection.
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Family-Friendly LEGO and STEM Challenges - 2:00-4:00pm - Swarthmore Engineers Without Borders chapter is hosting a free hands-on engineering event for kids! Try LEGO robot racing, toothpick tower building, catapult designs, and much more!​
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DESCRIPTION
This year's conference theme is "Real Work In The Real World: Empowering Students To Impact The Community Through STEM".
This free event is open tt all K-16 teachers, out-of-school-time educators, university faculty, administrators, high school students, and college students! Registration is required. Teachers will receive Act 48 credits.
The conference will feature a keynote speaker, student panel, educator led workshops, student networking session, student led table discussions, resources tables, and lunch!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Teachers/Educators
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College and High School Students
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PRIMARY THEME(S):
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​Professional Development
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Youth Voice
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STEM Pathways
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STEM Careers
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Mathematics
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Technology
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Engineering
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Science
EVENT ADDRESS:
DESCRIPTION
Join the eCLOSE Team as we introduce local science teachers to our Class2Lab platform! The system puts our research instructors and scientific technicians into your classroom at the click of a button! Even better? Your students will engage in authentic research geared towards their interests and community. Explore how diet impacts development in our favorite model organism: The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)!
During this workshop, the eCLOSE team will walk you through the steps and get you ready to launch eCLOSE: Class2Lab in your classroom! This project can be aligned to life science, biology, health sciences and advanced courses and more! Teachers will become a part of the eCLOSE network of science educators, researchers, and scientists. Participants will receive a lab-in-a-box as a thank you for attending and SDP teachers will be entered into a drawing for a complete eCLOSE Research Station for their classroom!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Teachers/Educators
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Professional Development
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Science
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STEM Pathways
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Biomedical Research
EVENT ADDRESS:
DESCRIPTION
Each month we explore a different theme, and this October we are ushering in spooky season with science history that may give you a fright!. Our fun, interactive activities are designed for science lovers of all ages. At this week’s activity table, sneak-a-peek at the creepy practices used by food manufacturers before the advent of consumer protection and food safety regulation. Stop by our Object Explorer touch table to learn about the science behind everyday items like refrigerators and LED light bulbs. Chat with our experienced Gallery Guides to find out more about the people responsible for the science embedded in our daily lives.
During your visit, you can also celebrate with us National Chemistry Week: The Hidden Life of Spices from 11:00am to 2:00pm. You will find out how spices get their flavors from their chemical makeup, see historic recipe books, sample some black pepper brown sugar cookies and talk to a
spice scientist. Admission is free and reservations are not required.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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History
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Science
DESCRIPTION
Launchpad is a 2.5 year technology training program that connects high schoolers to high paying tech careers. For 'Build a PC' we are inviting Philadelphia high schoolers to come to our space, disassemble PCs, learn about PC components, and re-assemble PCs in small teams!
Any student who successfully breaks down and re-assembles a PC will be entered into a raffle to win some PC gaming gear (mouse, keyboard, or headset). No coding experience required. Pizza and other light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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College and High School Students
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PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Technology
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STEM Pathways
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Engineering
EVENT ADDRESS:
DESCRIPTION
Fall is a wonderful time to plant trees just before it turns colder in the winter months. Planting trees at the preserve helps to provide habitat to local wildlife, combat climate change and helps to maintain our local water supply as the trees we plant keep runoff from heading to the Schuylkill River watershed.
This event is open to ALL ages! Registration is required as spaces are limited. Please bring your own water and work gloves to the event.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families​
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Parents and Caregivers
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Outdoor Learning
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Science
EVENT ADDRESS:
Robot Builder's Experience with Brooklyn Robot Foundry
October 25
11:00am - 12:30pm
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DESCRIPTION
Join the excitement as Brooklyn Robot Foundry fuels the kick‑off to Philadelphia STEM Equity Week with a hands‑on robot‑building extravaganza that will spark creativity and curiosity in builders of all ages! Young makers and families will dive into an immersive STEAM experience where they'll build, design, and take home their very own robots.
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More than just a class, this is a chance to playfully explore robotics, see STEAM come to life, and share the magic of building with a community that values imagination, equity, and discovery.
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EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents/Caregivers
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Teacher/Educators
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Arts
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Maker Space
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Engineering
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Science
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DESCRIPTION
Participants ages 3–11 will present creative projects that showcase how science, technology, engineering, and math can make neighborhoods cleaner, safer, and healthier. From models of solar-powered streetlights to prototypes of water-saving devices, recycling solutions, and community gardens, young innovators will highlight how STEM can be a tool for change right where they live.
Families and visitors will have the opportunity to explore projects, ask questions, and share their own ideas on our Community Innovation Wall. Community members, STEM professionals, and families will be invited to celebrate every participant’s effort and creativity.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents/Caregivers
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STEM Job-seekers
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Teachers/Educators
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College and High School Students
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STEM Employers
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Aspiring and Established STEM Professionals
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Mathematics
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Technology
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Youth Voice
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STEM Pathways
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STEM Careers
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Engineering
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Science
DESCRIPTION
Meet Philadelphia’s Mad Scientist Gone Good and step into the world of sustainable beauty with DVINITI skin care where we are pioneering the future of beauty. Learn how to create your own sustainable beauty products that are good for your microbiome and the Earth with DVINITI skin care experts.
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Led by renowned cosmetic chemist , Marquita Robinson Garcia aka Philly's Mad Scientist Gone Good, get hands-on experience making natural skincare items that are good for you and the planet.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents/Caregivers
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College and High School Students
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Aspiring and Established STEM Professionals
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PRIMARY THEME(S):
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STEM Careers
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Science
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Cosmetic Chemistry
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Health and Beauty
EVENT ADDRESS:
Math Night @ Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy
October 27
4:00pm - 6:00pm
DESCRIPTION
Math is everywhere! Join our school's students, families, and teachers for an early evening of games, puzzles, creativity, and collaboration—all inspired by mathematics. Students in our junior chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) leadership council will facilitate math-themed activities, including programming with LEGO robotics. Students in our WHYY Media Lab program will lead a stop motion activity.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents and Caregivers
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PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Math
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Science
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Engineering
DESCRIPTION
Become a DNA detective in this fun, hands-on family workshop! You'll investigate DNA by making a model with candy, discover how traits are passed down, and extract real DNA from your own body. We explore science together through simple, approachable experiments.
​​​​​Families leave with take-home activities, additional STEM resources, and a Junior DNA Detective certificate. This entertaining and interactive workshop is safe, simple, and best of all—no science background needed!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents/Caregivers
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Science
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Health
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Anatomy
Jumpstart:
Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Workshop
October 28
6:00pm - 8:00pm
DESCRIPTION
Join us for a professional learning session designed to help educators build confidence and capacity for teaching with AI. Led by School District of Philadelphia high school computer science teachers, Drexel University professors, and Principal Investigators from the Jumpstart Philly CS for All project, this interactive online workshop will demystify how AI works through hands-on activities and discussion, explore classroom-ready tools such as Google Gemini within the context of district policies, and highlight practical strategies for student engagement.
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Participants will learn how to incorporate prompt engineering, ethical decision-making, and differentiated approaches into their teaching, while connecting AI concepts to collaboration and student success in STEM. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with tools, insights, and inspiration to bring AI learning to life in your classroom.
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EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Teachers/Educators
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PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Professional Development
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Technology
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Artificial Intelligences
THIS EVENT IS VIRTUAL
DESCRIPTION
The SHPE National Convention 2025 is taking place from October 29th to November 1st. Join us for one of the largest annual gatherings of top STEM talent where professional development and unparalleled opportunities await.
At this signature SHPE event, experience inspiring keynotes, engaging workshops, and dynamic networking with industry leaders and organizations. Get ready for exciting competitions and the ever-popular Career Fair featuring over 250 exhibitors!
This is a life-changing convention where fun, opportunities, and Familia come together.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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STEM Job-seekers
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College and High School Students
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STEM Employers
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Aspiring and Established STEM Professionals
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Professional Development
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Mathematics
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Technology
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STEM Pathways
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STEM Careers
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Artificial Intelligence
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Engineering
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Science
DESCRIPTION
Through the training, educators will learn best practices for implementing the NBA Math Hoops game and curriculum, gain free access to the Learn Fresh program management platform and all program materials, and learn about opportunities to extend students’ learning through virtual and in-person community events. Educators will immediately gain access to all materials needed to begin implementing with students in their programs.
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EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Teachers/Educators
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Professional Development
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Mathematics
THIS EVENT IS VIRTUAL.
DESCRIPTION
Join us in this dynamic celebration of STEM Equity Week that highlights the powerful connection between cosmetic chemistry, entrepreneurship, and education. This event is designed to inspire, inform, and empower diverse youth as they explore the world of science, beauty, and innovation.
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Participants will engage in hands on demonstrations that showcase the fundamentals of cosmetic chemistry, from product formulation to testing, while learning how STEM skills translate into real world careers and entrepreneurial ventures. The event will feature industry professionals, educators, and student innovators who are breaking barriers and reimagining the future of beauty through science and equity.
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents/Caregivers
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STEM Job-seekers
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Teacher/Educators
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College and High School Students
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STEM Employers
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Aspiring and established STEM professional
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Arts
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Professional Development
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Youth Voice
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STEM Pathways
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STEM Careers
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Science
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Cosmetic Science
October 30
8:30am - 3:30pm
DESCRIPTION
​​PSEC's STEMposium is an annual cornerstone event of Philadelphia STEM Equity Week, uniting leaders, educators, and innovators from across the broader STEM ecosystem. This year’s gathering will unite leaders, educators, and innovators from across the STEM ecosystem to explore strategies that broaden participation, strengthen local collaboration, and align shared goals for systemic, data-driven impact.
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Join us as we celebrate recent accomplishments, connect with peers, and strategize about a future in which we work together to expand access to STEM careers and build sustainable pathways for economic mobility in Philadelphia.
For the agenda, speakers and more information, go HERE.
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EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Aspiring and established STEM professionals
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STEM Employers
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Teachers/Educators
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STEM Job-seekers
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PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Science
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STEM Careers
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STEM Pathways
EVENT ADDRESS:
DESCRIPTION
This Halloween, we’re bringing science to life with a frightfully STEM-tacular celebration! Our afterschool program will host a building-wide, hands-on event where students explore spooky-themed experiments and activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Participants will rotate through four interactive stations, each monitored by teen leaders. Each activity is designed to be self-guided, playful, and rooted in core STEM concepts, ensuring students are learning even as they laugh, compete, and create.
By combining the fun of Halloween with accessible, hands-on STEM experiences, this event encourages students to see science, technology, engineering, and math as exciting, approachable, and relevant to their everyday lives. Come in your costume and leave with a sweet treat!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Science
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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High School Students
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Parents and Caregivers
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Science
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Technology
5th Annual WINS Intern Poster Presentations and Panel Discussions
November 1
10:00am-2:00pm
DESCRIPTION
This is a special opportunity to meet our phenomenal youth and learn about their real-world experiences working with scientists, whether behind the scenes in our renowned specimen collections or within our world-class environmental engineering labs. The Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) Program has been serving over 1,000 youth since 1982.
Learn about the impactful experience of our WINS that recently traveled to South Africa to connect with youth from the Kwa Zulu Natal Region and to learn about biodiversity of the Phinda Reserve! Connect with students from other STEM programs and hear about the amazing work done to serve communities in Philadelphia and learn about how you can get involved!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents/Caregivers
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Teachers/Educators
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College and High School Students
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Aspiring and Established STEM Professionals
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Professional Development
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Youth Voice
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STEM Careers
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Engineering
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Science
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Other (please specify):
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Cultural Exchange
EVENT ADDRESS:
DESCRIPTION
Each month we explore a different theme, and this November we’re learning about the history of food science. Our fun, interactive activities are designed for science lovers of all ages. Take an up-close look at interesting items in our handling collection as we share stories of women food scientists and chefs from the past who continue to influence what we eat today. Stop by our Object Explorer touch table to learn about the science behind everyday items like refrigerators and LED light bulbs. Chat with our experienced Gallery Guides to find out more about the people responsible for the science embedded in our daily lives.
During your visit, you can also check out our themed “drop-in” tours at 11:30am
and 2pm. This week join us on the 2pm Women in Chemistry tour to learn about the women scientists and educators who inspired many young women to enter the field of chemistry!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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College and High School Students
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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History
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Science
DESCRIPTION
BOO! Did we scare you? Join us for the Wagner’s First Saturday Open House: Spooky Creature Feature—Bats! Explore our skeletons, spiders, and other spooky specimens in the museum, enjoy family-friendly activities, and even meet live bats during a presentation from Pennsylvania Bat Rescue at 1pm.
Learn why bats are important animals in our ecosystem, how humans can help protect them, and how they’re not as scary as they may seem. Scavenger hunts and sketching supplies will also be available to all visitors looking for deeper engagement with our collection. Admission is free to all. Stay tuned for event updates!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
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Parents and Caregivers
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Teacher and Educators
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College and High School Students
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Aspiring and Established STEM Professional
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Arts
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History
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Science
EVENT ADDRESS:
The Wagner Free Institute of Science of Philadelphia
1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
DESCRIPTION
The Swarthmore College chapter of Engineers Without Borders is pleased to host its premier public outreach event! We are offering a fun-filled introduction to the world of engineering, with activities designed specifically for children. Participants will engage in two primary activities. First, they will learn the basics of robotics and programming by racing LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots through a specially designed course. After this, participants can engage in a variety of fast-paced mini-activities. These "lightning" rounds include building and testing the strength of marshmallow toothpick towers, catapult designs from popsicle sticks, boat building, and a marble run maze.
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This hands-on event is run by Swarthmore engineering students with varied backgrounds in the professional, research, and academic sides of engineering. Additionally, many students are multidisciplinary with dual majors in education, sociology, economics, biochemistry, and more bringing a creative and well-rounded perspective to mentorship!
EVENT DESIGNED FOR:
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Youth and Families
PRIMARY THEME(S):
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Math
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Engineering
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Science
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Are you a community-based or
STEM-focused organization interested in hosting an event during Philadelphia STEM Equity Week?
Register your event HERE no later than October 15, 2025.
SPONSOR an Activity
Are you a local business, foundation or philanthropist interested in supporting Philadelphia STEM Equity Week? For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact
PSEC’s Executive Director, Diana Lievano.
STEMposium - Oct. 30
Join us as we celebrate recent accomplishments, connect with peers, and strategize about a future in which we work together to expand access to STEM careers and build sustainable pathways for economic mobility in Philadelphia.
Register HERE.
CONTACT Us
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact
Betsy Payne, STEM Ecosystems and Professional Networks Manager, PEF.
SOCIAL Media
Follow us on Instagram @PhillySTEMCo and on LinkedIn @philadelphia-stem-equity-collective or search hashtags #STEMEquityWeek #STEMposium #STEMEquity #DiversityInSTEM #YeahthatsSTEM! #PSEC.
VIEW STEM Equity Week 2024
Explore the activities and captivating pictures showcasing the events that promoted equity in STEM fields from STEM Equity Week 2024 HERE.