Hundreds of students, families, teachers and others participated in an NSF-hosted event, “Change the World: Science & Engineering Careers Fair at Dulles Town Center.” The event was held at a shopping mall just outside of Washington, D.C., on Sept. 27 and 28, 2013, and was targeted at middle and high school students and their families. Co-sponsored by Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.), the event boasted more than 60 exhibits showcasing science and engineering research supported by NSF or performed by other government agencies, industries and nonprofit organizations. The goal: to encourage students to take science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses and consider STEM-based careers. In addition to NSF, exhibitors included 13 federal agencies, 22 universities, 3 science centers, 7 scientific societies and 8 other organizations. Visitors talked to experts and took part in hands-on activities that represented the wide variety of science and engineering careers that exist today. The kick-off ceremony featured NSF Acting Director Cora B. Marrett; George Wolfe, director of the Loudoun Academy of Science; NSF assistant director for education and human resources Joan Ferrini-Mundy; Gail Drake, professor, Center for Information Technology at Battlefield High School ; and Rep. Frank Wolf. The congressman chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds many of the nation’s science agencies, including NSF, and has had a long-standing interest in STEM education.

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer for NSF