Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s STEM-A-Thon gives Club Kids a place to learn and socialize

On Monday, July 20, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana hosted its annual STEM-A-Thon at downtown Valparaiso’s Urschel Pavilion, bringing together Club members from across Northwest Indiana for a day of hands-on learning, discovery, and connection.

Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, the event featured a variety of STEM-focused activities, including puzzles, science experiments, engineering challenges, and interactive technology stations. While the activities provided plenty of fun, they also introduced members to real-world concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“STEM activities are a major focus throughout our Clubs, and our members are learning something new every day,” said Mike Jessen, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “STEM-A-Thon gives all eight of our Clubs the opportunity to come together for one incredible event filled with engaging experiences that are both educational and exciting. Our goal is to inspire curiosity while making learning fun.”

More than 50 volunteers from local businesses and organizations helped bring the event to life. Participating partners included Belfor Property Restoration, Best Buy, BGCGNWI PALS, Blockhead Beerworks, Boeing, YSB–City of Gary, Carmeuse, Cleveland-Cliffs, Crossroads Chamber, Dunes Learning Center, Lake County Health Department, NIPSCO, NWI-MFW, SAFE/GEMINUS, Tradebe, University of Chicago Medicine–Crown Point, Urschel, WiNUP, and Women in Construction–CAFWIC.

The success of STEM-A-Thon was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Urschel Giving and the leadership of Marina Kirova, Senior Director of Education & Academic Programming for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, whose dedication helped create an unforgettable experience for hundreds of Club members.

Beyond exploring STEM concepts, the event offered young people the chance to build friendships, collaborate with peers from other Clubs, and experience learning in an engaging and supportive environment. It also provided families with an enriching summer opportunity that is both accessible and impactful.

“There has never been a more important time for kids to have a place where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn,” Jessen said. “At Boys & Girls Clubs, young people know they are surrounded by caring mentors who are invested in their success. We are so much more than an after-school or summer program—we are a place where kids can grow, discover their passions, and prepare for the future.”

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and its programs, visit bgcgreaternwi.org.