SWOSU Press Release

Weatherford, OK – Engage Learning is collaborating with Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) to host its first-ever Family STEAM Night on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the SWOSU Ballroom in Weatherford. This is a come-and-go event and is free to the public.

Families are invited to take part in a variety of hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Activities are designed for all age groups and will include six themed stations, two interactive challenges, two live science and fabrication demonstrations, and two developmentally appropriate activities for preschool learners. In addition, SWOSU departments will feature interactive tables to showcase STEAM-related opportunities at the university. Food trucks will be on site, and multiple giveaways, including scholarship prizes, will be available throughout the evening.

Family STEAM Night at SWOSU is part of a statewide initiative led by Engage Learning, a nonprofit that partners with schools and community organizations to expand access to STEAM and Maker education. This event is the first in a series of five Family STEAM Nights being planned across Oklahoma, made possible through a partnership between Engage Learning and the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.

Locally, the event is being coordinated in collaboration with SWOSU’s SAGE STEAM program, which supports rural and underrepresented students through experiential learning in STEAM fields. For the June 5 event, the SAGE STEAM team is working with Engage Learning to organize campus and community involvement, manage activity tables, recruit volunteers, and promote attendance across the area. Several local organizations will also participate by hosting community tables.

High school students aged 16 and older are encouraged to volunteer by June 2. Volunteer roles will include assisting with activity stations and helping with event logistics. Those interested in volunteering can email Lisa Appeddu at lisa.appeddu@swosu.edu for more information, or visit https://swosu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2sDxFPm3FUJbjNA to view the volunteer form.

To learn more about the SAGE STEAM program at SWOSU, visit https://www.swosu.edu/about/pre-college-programs/sage-steam-camp/.