Palatine Jaycees’ free STEAM fair a success
The Palatine Jaycees hosted their most successful and largest-ever free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Fair on March 18, at Lincoln Elementary School in Palatine, drawing students and families from Winston, Virginia Lake, Sanborn, and Lincoln elementary schools.
The two-hour event brought together 750 attendees, including 277 students, to explore hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations that sparked excitement for STEAM education.
The event took place across two gymnasiums, filled with more than 50 activity tables, where participants engaged in various educational challenges and experiments.
The fair would not have been possible without the support of more than 25 local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies, which helped provide the activity tables and donated resources for the event.
“It was clear that the kids had a great time and were genuinely engaged with the activities,” said Justin O’Rourke, event co-chair. O’Rourke added, “I’m confident that many of the parents learned something as well.”
A special thank you goes out to Learning Resources, whose generous donation of raffle prizes worth over $3,000 helped inspire attendees to continue exploring STEAM concepts at home. Additional raffle prizes were made possible through a grant from the Illinois Jaycee Charitable Foundation, reinforcing the Jaycees’ commitment to making STEAM education accessible to all.
“The STEAM Fair is a fantastic way for the whole family to engage with exciting topics and potential careers in these fields through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities,” said Megan McGaughey, project co-chair of the event. “We are thrilled to partner with local businesses and colleges to promote STEAM education in our grade schools, and we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and artists.”
Each year, the Palatine Jaycees host numerous community service programs and fundraising events, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, fireworks and entertainment for the Fourth of July Hometown Fest, and holiday giving programs. The Jaycees’ fundraising efforts also support grants and scholarships that benefit local students and organizations.
For more information about the Palatine Jaycees, membership opportunities, or upcoming events, visit palatinejaycees.org or email info@palatinejaycees.org.
About Palatine Jaycees
The Palatine Chapter of the Jaycees, one of the largest of the 50 chapters across Illinois, consists of 100 members who work to develop leadership skills while serving the community. The chapter is recognized both locally and internationally for its dedication to volunteerism and service. Membership is open to individuals between the ages of 21 and 40. Monthly general meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, both in person at Lamplighters in Palatine and virtually.