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Ellsworth organizers report 425 attendees and wide community support at STEM Night
Summary
Organizers told the school board STEM Night drew more than 425 attendees, 30-plus community partners, 50 stations and about 130 volunteers; feedback forms and an event website helped improve flow and participation this year.
STEM Night organizers told the Ellsworth School Board that the district's 2026 STEM Night markedly expanded in scope and community participation.
Katie Hollenback, who led the event with Jane Stackpole and Jillian Baker, said the district hosted more than 425 attendees, over 30 community partners, 50 stations and about 130 volunteers, including more than 30 student volunteers. Hollenback said the organizers used a new event website and a map to help attendees navigate stations and that an activity "passport" returned by families demonstrated strong student engagement.
"We had over 425 people attend, 30-plus community partners, over 50 stations, 130 volunteers," Hollenback said, adding that 180 passports were returned. She credited businesses and partners (including Bath Iron Works) for bringing interactive exhibits, such as virtual welding, and praised high-school student volunteers for adapting activities to different age groups.
Board members said feedback was overwhelmingly positive and suggested future larger venues or additional folding tables to accommodate growth.
Ending: The board celebrated the event as an example of community–school collaboration and noted organizers plan to continue expanding partnerships and student involvement.
