On May 1, 2025, NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, will host TECH Day, a unique career exploration event aimed at middle school students. Nearly 200 young participants will engage in various hands-on activities designed to ignite interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative serves to connect students directly with the aerospace industry, offering them a chance to step into the roles of real NASA professionals.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a comprehensive agenda that includes facility tours and interactive engineering challenges. Students will have the opportunity to explore key spaces within NASA Glenn, such as the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Operations Center, where they can witness firsthand how researchers remotely manage experiments conducted aboard the ISS.
In addition to the ISS operations center, students will visit the Graphics and Visualization Lab, where virtual and augmented reality projects come to life, and the Simulated Lunar Operations Laboratory, designed to mimic the surface of the Moon and Mars, providing a glimpse into extraterrestrial exploration. The highlight of the day will surely be a tour of the 10x10 Supersonic Wind Tunnel, NASA Glenn's largest and most advanced wind tunnel facility, showcasing the cutting-edge technology that supports aerospace development.
The primary aim of TECH Day is to inspire the next generation of innovators by creating clear and achievable pathways into the aerospace industry. This program addresses the urgent need for a skilled workforce in technical fields, paving the way for students to envision their futures in STEM careers. By engaging them in hands-on experiences and providing insights into the technical knowledge required for these professions, NASA aims to equip these young minds with the tools they need for success.
Furthermore, the event emphasizes the importance of accessibility in STEM education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can visualize a future in science and technology. Such initiatives not only promote educational growth but also fuel the advancement of technology by preparing the future workforce.
For media representatives interested in covering the event, interviews with NASA experts will be facilitated from 9 to 10 a.m., and attendance requests should be directed to Jacqueline Minerd by April 30. As the aerospace sector continues to expand, opportunities like TECH Day play a vital role in fostering the next generation of STEM professionals who will drive innovation and exploration in the years to come.
NASA Glenn's commitment to education and community engagement offers young students invaluable exposure to the world of aerospace. This event is more than just a career day; it's a stepping stone into a future filled with possibilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For further information about NASA Glenn and the magnificent work being done in aerospace, please visit
NASA's official website.