BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Local students in first grade through high school are encouraged to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics at Illinois Wesleyan during the STEAM Olympics, a multi-day event offering hands-on learning.
The competition will take place at the Center for Natural Sciences building on the IWU campus on Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2. Students can participate in more than 10 activities, including 3D printing and art workshops, essay writing, science and math tests and a science fair. Registered participants and their families will also have access to optional lab tours on IWU and Illinois State University campuses to witness real-world applications of STEAM fields.
Illinois Wesleyan’s Vice President of Inclusive Excellence Dakesa Piña is leading the event in partnership with For a Better Tomorrow (FBT), a Bloomington-based organization that promotes social justice by meeting needs in the community through philanthropy and by nurturing future generations of servant leaders.
"We had 235 registrations and 128 students who participated in the inaugural STEAM Olympics. This is a testament to the need for such an event in our community and the quality of volunteers who brought their enthusiasm to the planning," said Sambisvarao Gurijala, 2025 STEAM Olympics Co-Chair.
“New workshops have been added — including the design-a-thon, speech and debate, and the STEAM Quest — each designed to challenge participants and celebrate their talents,” said Piña.
The STEAM Olympics will conclude with an award ceremony and keynote address, with medals presented to the top scorers in each grade. The school with the most medals will win a championship trophy and cash prize.
Proceeds from the STEAM Olympics will benefit both IWU and FBT. Revenue will generate crucial funds for FBT to support various initiatives, including grants for local and global projects. Proceeds to IWU will support needs-based scholarship assistance to IWU students actively involved with fostering social justice and community engagement.
“2024 STEAM Olympics raised close to $10,000. Over 70 volunteers engaged and six sponsors helped the event run smoothly. A $5,000 scholarship was given to an IWU student who does significant work with social justice in the Bloomington-Normal community.” said Akhila Vedam, 2025 STEAM Olympics Co-Chair.
Piña said the partnership with FBT reinforces the University’s mission to support equity and community impact while inspiring the next generation.
“IWU aims to create an even more impactful event (this year), inspiring both participants and the community to explore the transformative power of STEAM education while fostering creativity and collaboration,” said Piña.
In line with FBT’s commitment to equity and accessibility, event fees will be waived for individuals facing financial barriers. Interested participants are encouraged to register promptly using the form available at www.forbettertomorrow.org/steam. Early registrations are currently open at a discounted price until December 31. Due to limited availability for certain activities, participation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about STEAM Olympics or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sam Gurijala (309) 838-5254).