Anticipation mounts as STEMFest makes its way to Yorkshire this July, exploring the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Adding to the excitement, Jim Christensen from the Aldrin Family Foundation will make a special appearance to welcome schools in the Yorkshire and Humber region for the hands-on STEM exhibition at the Life Centre.

STEMFest, organised by the Yorkshire and Humber STEM Hub, delivered by RTC North is marking its third year and expanding into its second region, this milestone event promises to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators. This festival connects 9 to 13-year-olds with the region’s STEM companies committed to providing job opportunities now and in the future to support the next generation in STEM sectors and to bolster the region’s economy. The headline sponsor for the third time is Cummins, a global power technology leader that designs, manufactures, distributes, and services a broad portfolio of power solutions.

Jim Christensen serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Aldrin Family Foundation. Previously, he served as Director of Education at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where he led a team to design the new Astronaut Training Experience and Mars Base 1, an immersive experience of preparing for spaceflight and living and working on Mars. He has also worked at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he coordinated the first Spaceflight Education Opportunity. Jim taught at the middle school level for 18 years and was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science in 1995.

Jim bringing his real-world expertise and experience, provides tangible examples of how STEM fields impact society and drive innovation, showcasing the diverse career paths available. Moreover, Jim’s passion and enthusiasm for his work is infectious, igniting a spark of ambition in the minds of young attendees. Having Jim at STEMFest not only amplifies the excitement of the occasion but also reinforces the importance and relevance of STEM education in shaping the future.

Jim Christensen, Chief Innovation Officer for the Aldrin Family Foundation, comments:

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to present at the inaugural STEMFest in Yorkshire and the Humber region. As we aim to empower students in the U.S., we are excited to extend our efforts here in the UK to inspire students to pursue STEM careers through hands-on learning with our Giant Moon and Mars Maps.”

Claire Willis, Team Leader at the Yorkshire and Humber and North East STEM Hub, comments: “Jim is a regular supporter of our previous STEMFest events, travelling hundreds of miles to join us in engaging and enthusing the young people of the UK in space. We are delighted that Jim can join us at the very first STEMFest to be delivered in the Yorkshire and Humber region. He has always been a massive hit with the pupils and teachers at previous STEMFest events and I am sure that the pupils and teachers will thoroughly enjoy Jim’s hands-on session.”

Exhibitor spaces still available, don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the expected 3,000 schoolchildren. Find out more at STEMFest Yorkshire and Humber 2024 Tickets, Tue 2 Jul 2024 at 08:00 | Eventbrite