Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) will hold its 25th annual Black Families Technology Awareness Day on Saturday, February 3, at 9 a.m. The event, free and open to the public, is designed to introduce historically underrepresented students in grades K-12, their families, and educators to educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In recent years, the United States has recommitted to domestic research and manufacturing, and this has highlighted the critical importance of STEM education in developing talent for careers in the United States. The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, for example, authorizes new and expanded investments in STEM education and training from K-12 to community college, undergraduate, and graduate education. RPI believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from these developments, and that society itself benefits when everyone can contribute.

“From semiconductor design and manufacturing to sustainable energy to the quantum computing system currently being installed on RPI’s campus, there is so much going on in this region,” said Rensselaer President Martin A. Schmidt ’81, Ph.D. “But it’s important to find the potential STEM professionals of tomorrow now, so that we can encourage and cultivate talented and interested kids from the day they step foot in school to the day they enter the workforce. Black Families Technology Awareness Day is an exciting and entertaining way to start that process.”

This year, students will have the opportunity to build their own balloon cars using recycled materials, learn about astrobotany, and test structures to see whether they will resist various magnitudes of earthquakes, among many other programs designed to be engaging, informative, and age-appropriate.

The day’s events are sponsored by National Grid.

“National Grid is proud to support RPI’s 2024 Black Families Technology Awareness Day, connecting students and their families to memorable, interactive, hands-on STEM activities that encourage exploration and innovation,” said Mauri Myers-Solages, Strategic Partnerships Manager for National Grid’s Social Impact Team. “To deliver a clean energy future that leaves no one behind, we’re committed to continue building a workforce that represents the communities we serve and empowering the leaders of tomorrow to bring new ideas and solutions to the table.”

The 2024 Black Families Technology Awareness Day will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome from President Schmidt. U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko, Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello, and representatives from Rensselaer’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers will also offer introductory remarks. Activities will run through 2 p.m.

The event was first held in February 1999.

Registration in advance is required. A summary of the program offerings can be found on the Black Families Technology Awareness Day web page. All attendees will receive a free T-shirt and lunch.

Members of the media who plan to attend the event should contact the Rensselaer media relations team in advance at newsmedia@rpi.edu.