7th Annual Lets Grow STEAMx Youth College and Career Expo

Event Flyers Register Here 2025 Event Schedule

7^th Annual Let’s Grow STEAM^x
Youth College and Career Expo

Columbus Convention and Trade Center | 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901
February 9–10, 2026 | Columbus, Georgia

You Belong Here: Owning Your Power in Engineering & Mathematics

Welcome

Experience the Region’s Premier College, Career, & STEAM Readiness Event

The Let’s Grow STEAMx Youth College & Career Expo is a two-day immersive experience designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect future leaders with real pathways in education, careers, and STEAM exploration.

This Expo is powered by our IFES mission to:

Inspire future leaders
Foster curiosity
Expand opportunities
Strengthen communities

Whether you’re an elementary student discovering STEAM or a high school student preparing for college and career, you belong here — and your future starts now.

YCCExpo 2026 Keynote Presenter

Dr. Calvin Mackie
Founder of STEM NOLA | Nationally Celebrated Engineer

Dr. Calvin Mackie is a nationally celebrated engineer, entrepreneur, and STEM powerhouse who has dedicated his life to lighting a fire in the next generation of innovators. As the founder of STEM NOLA, Dr. Mackie has brought hands-on STEM experiences to more than 150,000 young people — showing students that greatness isn’t defined by where you start, but how big you’re willing to dream.

A former engineering professor turned national STEM leader, Dr. Mackie is known for his high-energy talks, real talk honesty, and ability to make every young person in the room believe that their future is limitless. His message blends inspiration with action — pushing future leaders to own their brilliance, step boldly into opportunity, and see themselves as builders, creators, and problem-solvers.

Dr. Mackie has been recognized at the highest levels for his leadership, including praise from national organizations, major corporations, and education leaders across the country. But his greatest passion is simple: empowering young people to rise, lead, and transform their communities.

When Dr. Calvin Mackie steps on stage, expect truth, expect energy, and expect to walk away believing that your future and the power to shape it — is already in your hands.

Agenda

Day 1: Experience STEAMx | Invitation Only

Monday, February 9, 2026
Grades 3–5 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Future leaders kick off the event with a fully immersive, hands-on STEAM adventure designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Future leaders will enjoy:

Interactive STEAM stations in science, technology, engineering, art, and math
Build-it challenges and creative problem-solving activities
Live demonstrations and experiments that bring learning to life
Fun, high-energy experiences that boost engagement and early interest in STEAM
Opportunities to meet real engineers, creators, innovators, and problem-solvers

Day 2: Youth College & Career Expo

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Grades 9–12 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

High school future leaders dive into college and career readiness through hands-on exploration, real-world engagement, and guidance from professionals. Future Leaders will:

Connect with colleges, companies, and training programs across the region (Probe College Fair)
Visit exhibitor booths and talk with representatives from leading employers
Collect digital resources in their “digital backpack”
Use the Experience STEAMx App to track schedules, take notes, earn points, and win prizes
Revisit event content for 30 days following the Expo