From left, Reggie Cole, Technology Teacher at Cassadaga Valley Central School District, President of the Chautauqua County Chapter of the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association – Chautauqua County Chapter Dan Thomas, Technology Teacher at Southwestern Central School District, Jessie Pierson, Technology Teacher at Randolph Central School District, Craig Hinderleider, Northwest Arena General Manager, Todd Tranum, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier & President of Dream It Do It Western New York, Jennifer Swann-Leuze, Executive Director of Chautauqua Striders, and Melissa Himes, Dream It Do It Western New York Director.

Organizers of STEM Wars 2024 announced an extended format that will deliver two days of programming for students of all ages at the Northwest Arena.

STEM Wars 2024 is a Technology Competition, Career Fair and Tech Expo that will be held over a two-day period on May 22-23rd at Northwest Arena. The event brings together manufacturers, schools, suppliers, colleges and community organizations in support of connecting students with career pathways and opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The event features a grade school STEM Wars event, a middle/high school STEM Wars event, a two-day career fair and a two-day technology exposition. Manufacturers from throughout the area will be at the event to speak to students about manufacturing careers. Technology suppliers will be bringing the latest state-of-the-art technologies to demonstrate to students and manufacturers. Post-secondary institutions and training providers will be present at the event to share information regarding specific programming designed to prepare students for careers in manufacturing. The event organizers expect well over 1,000 students in attendance across the two-day period.

“We are excited to work with a variety of organizations on the production of a two-day program that brings students, manufacturers and technology together in one place,” stated Todd Tranum, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and President of Dream It Do It Western New York. “For students participating in the STEM Wars competitions, this is their marquee event of the year plus they get the added value of connecting with manufacturers, better understanding manufacturing careers, learning about technology and innovation advancements and understanding the training and education resources available to them throughout the region.”

“Hands-on programming like STEM Wars is important to the education and development of grade school kids and this format provides them with an opportunity to start thinking about career opportunities while having fun,” stated Shannon Sauder, Grade School Science Teacher and Gradeschool STEM Wars organizer. “We are looking forward to having grade school students participate in hands-on activities and meeting with employers while also seeing, touching and learning about new technology.”

“STEM Wars has been an opportunity highlight the projects that our students work on in the classroom and to elevate the importance of technology-based programming in our schools,” stated Reggie Cole, Technology Instructor at Cassadaga Valley Central School and President of the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association – Chautauqua County Chapter. “STEM Wars is an opportunity for students to make a connection between their hands-on skills and the career and the career opportunities available here in our region.”

Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) is energizing and building the early talent pipeline. DIDIWNY is an initiative powered by the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. To learn more about DIDIWNY or specific events programming go to www.didiwny.com or contact Melissa Himes mhimes@didiwny.com.