Free community event will feature helicopter landing, STEM displays, veterans, first responders and career opportunities
IRMO, S.C. — Celebrate Freedom Foundation will bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life during a free STEM Education Event on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moore Park, 7473 Church St. in Irmo.
With the theme “Inspiring Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Careers,” the event will give students and families an opportunity to explore STEM outside the classroom while meeting veterans, first responders, community organizations and local businesses.
One of the day’s highlights will be a Special Forces Association helicopter landing scheduled for 11 a.m. Attendees can also see Celebrate Freedom Foundation’s 1967 AH-1 Cobra helicopter, Humvee and Hunter drones up close.
“This event is about showing young people what is possible for their future,” said Lori Brady, executive vice president of Celebrate Freedom Foundation and director of STEM Education Outreach.
“When students can see the aircraft, technology and equipment, meet the people who use them and talk directly with employers, STEM becomes more than something they learn in a textbook. They begin to see where it can take them.”
Veterans, first responders and community come together
The event will feature participation from the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, South Carolina Career Kids, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Irmo Fire Department and Irmo Police Department.
The gathering reflects the foundation’s mission of using the knowledge and experience of veterans and community professionals to educate and inspire the next generation.
Founded in 1999, Celebrate Freedom Foundation is a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides STEM education outreach and workforce development opportunities. Its programs use aviation, drones, military vehicles and other hands-on exhibits to introduce students to STEM subjects and potential career pathways.
The organization reaches thousands of students each year through school visits and community events across the Southeast.
Connecting students with careers
Beyond the aircraft and STEM exhibits, the Oct. 3 event will emphasize workforce development.
Local businesses will be on-site to discuss careers and job opportunities, allowing students and job seekers to speak directly with employers and learn about the education, training and skills required for different professions.
The event will highlight opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while helping young people understand that career preparation can begin long before graduation.
For Celebrate Freedom Foundation, connecting employers with students is an important part of building a stronger workforce for South Carolina.
“We want students to understand that there are tremendous opportunities right here in their own communities,” Brady said. “Our goal is to inspire them, educate them and connect them with people who can help turn their interests into successful careers.”
Community sponsors make event possible
Celebrate Freedom Foundation recognizes the businesses and organizations supporting the STEM Education Event, including the Town of Irmo, Dominion Energy, TD Bank, Datapay SC Inc., Sunshine Recycling LLC, Lexington Chem-Dry, GMM Insurance Inc., K&K Printing, Linc Inc., Vital Chiropractic, Professional Printers and Trinity’s Vision.
Their support helps the foundation continue providing hands-on STEM experiences and career exploration opportunities for students.
Event information
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What: Celebrate Freedom Foundation STEM Education Event
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When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Where: Moore Park, 7473 Church St., Irmo
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Helicopter landing: 11 a.m.
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Admission: Free
For more information about Celebrate Freedom Foundation and its STEM Education Outreach Program, visit GoCFF.org or call 803-822-8812.
The event brings together three themes central to the foundation’s work: veterans, community and the future.
