Methodist University has a great reputation for providing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs that inspire students and lead to successful careers. MU is also a great champion for these “STEM” programs and has taken its dedication to the national level as a sponsor of the 2025 National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., presented by EXPLR (a streaming video and curriculum service for grade 5-12 students, teachers, and families that helps bridge critical gaps in K-12 education).
The National STEM Festival invited students in grades 7-12 from across the U.S. and its territories to conceive and submit STEM innovations, inventions, and research across six categories: Aerospace Innovation, Environmental Stewardship, Future Food, Health and Medicine, Powering the Planet, and Tech for Good. In December, EXPLR announced the names of the 106 students whose outstanding performance in the National STEM Festival Challenge earned them the title of National STEM Champion. With the support of MU, these students will be recognized at the event in Washington.
“We are honored to support the National STEM Festival and these brilliant young STEM Champions,” said MU Provost Suzanne Blum Malley. “Witnessing their groundbreaking innovations and vision for the future is truly inspiring, reminding us all of the potential to shape a better world together.”
North Carolina Champions include Sakhyata Gurram (Cary), Swayam Shah and Keertana Ramars Jillella Venkata (both of Raleigh).
Each student and a guardian will receive an expense-paid trip, including travel and lodging, to attend the Festival and showcase their projects. During the festival (March 19-22), students will showcase their projects to top government, education, and public and private industry leaders, as well as network with other exceptional students from around the country.
On Thursday March 20, Methodist University will participate as a sponsor for “Pizza and Games Night” for the National STEM Champions, an evening of food, fun, and networking, providing champions with the opportunity to talk one-on-one with MU faculty in STEM fields.
Methodist University also hosts an annual STEM summer camp for rising 6th-8th grade students. Visit the MU summer camps page soon for details about the 2025 camp in June.