The Old Dominion University Chapter of the Student Virginia Education Association is partnering with the Darden College of Education, the ODU Peninsula Higher Education Center and MonarchTeach to host 125 Hampton Roads fourth and fifth grade students at their annual STEM Day event.

On March 1, over 45 volunteers including students and professors will engage students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and art related activities at the Darden College of Education Building. In sessions taught by professors, students will participate in activities to engineer and re-engineer frogs to jump farther, examine the power of ratios in football, and investigate DNA strands to combine their very own "power animal."

This mind-stimulating project is largely funded by the CLASS (Community Learning through America's Schools) Grant from the National Education Association's Student Program. Since 1989, college students on more than 200 campuses across the country have become involved, giving thousands of children hope and promises of a better tomorrow. The event also provides opportunities for future teachers from all over the country to work together with others in their surrounding communities to meet area needs and wishes.

Volunteers facilitating the groups of students during ODU's STEM Day are future teachers who gain practical experience and grow as professionals while making STEM Day a success. The program aims to inspire young students to become interested in STEM subjects, STEM careers and attending college, hopefully as a Monarch.