Wake Forest continues to discover new ways to invest in its future. STEM Saturday stands out as a powerful example of how community partnerships can spark curiosity, build skills, and shape the next generation of talent.
Hosted by the Town of Wake Forest and presented by the Wireless Research Center of North Carolina (WRC), the 2026 Wake Forest STEM Saturday will take place Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. The free, family-friendly event introduces K–12 students to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), helping connect classroom learning to real-world experiences and future career pathways.
“STEM Saturday is a free, family-friendly event hosted by the Town of Wake Forest that introduces K–12 students to science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on activities,” said Adam Oates, CGCIO, Chief Information Officer for the Town of Wake Forest. “Families can expect interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and opportunities to engage with local businesses, educators, and technology professionals.”
Since its early days, STEM Saturday has grown into a dynamic community event that connects students with real-world applications of STEM while strengthening connections between education, industry, and the local community.
“Introducing STEM early helps spark curiosity and build skills that prepare students for future careers,” Oates said. “It also supports Wake Forest’s long-term growth by developing a strong, local, and future-ready workforce.”
A hands-on Science Lab will be a central feature of the event, designed to make learning engaging and memorable for students while encouraging exploration and creativity.
“This year will feature a hands-on Science Lab packed with creative, curiosity-sparking activities for kids in grades K-8,” Oates said. “Young scientists will decode secret messages, explore colorful chromatography, investigate mystery powders, make their own spy cards, and dive into real lab techniques in a fun, supportive environment.”
Beyond the event itself, STEM Saturday plays an important role in building Wake Forest’s future workforce by introducing students to high-demand fields and connecting them with professionals working in those industries today.
“Events like STEM Saturday play a key role in building the future talent pipeline by exposing students to high-demand careers at an early age and connecting them with local businesses and professionals,” Oates said. “By sparking interest and showing real-world opportunities here in Wake Forest, we help develop a skilled, homegrown workforce that supports the region’s continued growth in innovation and technology.”
Collaboration across Wake Forest’s public and private sectors plays a key role in expanding access to STEM opportunities for students and reinforcing the community’s commitment to innovation.
“Partnerships between the Town of Wake Forest and organizations like the Wireless Research Center demonstrate a commitment to STEM and provide opportunities for students to engage with engineers and professionals who have made a career of putting ‘STEM into Action,’” said Gerard “Gerry” James Hayes, Ph.D., President and Founder of the Wireless Research Center of North Carolina. “Students from elementary school through high school are able to experience ‘real-world’ applications of math and science to drive innovation.”
The Wireless Research Center plays an active role in supporting STEM education and outreach across the Wake Forest community.
“The WRC is proud to be a leading sponsor of STEM Saturday,” Hayes said. “STEM Saturday demonstrates the WRC's commitment to the Wake Forest community and promoting a ‘K to Gray’ STEM outreach.”
As Wake Forest continues to grow, initiatives like STEM Saturday highlight the community’s commitment to innovation, education, and collaboration while supporting the development of a strong, future-ready workforce.
“STEM Saturday is a powerful example of how Wake Forest is investing in its future,” said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP). “By connecting students with real-world experiences and forward-thinking organizations like the Wireless Research Center, we are helping build a strong talent pipeline that will support higher-wage, technology-driven industries and ensure our community continues to thrive.”
