STEM-A-Thon: Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana brought hundreds of Club members together for STEM-A-Thon, a day designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
Through hands-on activities including puzzles, science experiments, engineering challenges, and interactive technology stations, Club members explored real-world concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while having fun alongside their peers.
Learning Through Exploration
“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.”
Beyond exploring STEM concepts, members had the opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, build friendships with youth from other Clubs, and discover new interests in an engaging and supportive environment.
A fun-filled community event for runners, families, and supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs.
Powered by Our Community
More than 50 volunteers from local businesses and organizations helped bring STEM-A-Thon 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 generous 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. Their commitment helped create an unforgettable learning experience for Club members across Northwest Indiana.
A Place to Learn, Grow, and Belong
STEM-A-Thon is about more than science and technology. It represents what happens every day inside Boys & Girls Clubs: young people discovering their passions, building confidence, connecting with caring mentors, and developing skills that will prepare them for the future.
“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.”
Great Futures Start Here
From STEM and academic enrichment to leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and workforce readiness, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive throughout the year.
Interested in volunteering? Email: Marina Kirova at