Submitted
There were smiles all around at the inaugural STEM Harvest event in downtown Hays Saturday.
STEM Harvest is a local non-profit organization and is the brainchild of Dallas and Dacia Haselhorst. This was the first of many activities planned for the organization and it allowed them to showcase the repurposed, beautifully renovated space at 507 Main aimed at STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.
Made possible by the “To Infinity and Beyond” grant from NetWorked for Change, the event offered a range of station-based activities, including 3D printing, electronics and soldering, technology deconstruction, and coding.
Each station provided a unique learning experience, allowing participants to engage in problem-solving and critical thinking while having fun.
The 3D printing station was a hit as participants were able to see the technology in action as well as some of the amazing items they could produce.
At the electronics and soldering station, participants learned how to build simple circuits and safely solder components.
The technology deconstruction station allowed participants to take apart old laptops and explore the inner workings of various devices.
Finally, the coding station provided an opportunity for participants to learn programming basics and see how that code translated to the real world by flying a drone.
Volunteers ran the stations, providing valuable knowledge and experience to the participants.
Several volunteers traveled in from out of town to lend a hand while many others came from local businesses and Fort Hays State University student organizations, such as FHSU STEM Education and FHSU Cybersecurity Club.
STEM Harvest sponsors for the event were Networked for Change, TreeTop Security, SANS Technology Institute, Grow Hays, Heartland Community Foundation and the Beach Family Foundation. Refreshments, snacks, and lunch were provided by local businesses, including Breathe Coffee House, Daylight Donuts, and Little Dinero Pizzeria.
“This was a small sliver of the possibilities and what we have in mind," Dallas Haselhorst said. "The space and idea have been years in the making so while it has been exhausting to get to this point, the success of this single event fuels us to continue forward with our vision.”
Grants have been hard to come by for the organization with more than 80 percent of the efforts thus far being self-funded.
The husband and wife team said those statistics do not include time volunteered by family and friends who also believed in the STEM Harvest vision.
“It’s been frustrating, although we are hopeful this helps others better understand the concept and need for these valuable learning opportunities," Dallas Haselhorst said.
"I’m not overselling it when I say this has the potential to be transformative for the community and region for many years to come. We will continue on our current path and keep fighting the good fight.”
If you’re interested in helping the organization through volunteering, donations or business sponsorships, visit https://stemharvest.org/help/.