Summer 2026 STEM Newsletter
Winning with STEM: IEEE Cleveland Inspire Students at Guardians STEM Day
Pictured above: IEEE PES Secretary Dan Kilrain demonstrates our hand crank generator to students.
For a dedicated group of IEEE Cleveland engineers, the Cleveland Guardians’ STEM Day is more than just a community outreach event — it’s a tradition!
This spring, Gavin White and Allen Morinec proudly brought interactive STEM exhibits to Guardians STEM Day on two separate occasions (April 29th and May 13th), giving students the opportunity to experience electricity! Through hands-on demonstrations and conversations with real-world professionals, they helped show students how classroom lessons can lead to exciting careers and innovative solutions.
The atmosphere at Progressive Field was electric. Long before the first pitch, students filled the STEM Fair, eagerly exploring exhibits, asking questions, and discovering how engineering impacts everyday life. Our IEEE Cleveland volunteers embraced the opportunity to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and inspire the next generation of innovators.
For our volunteers, the smiles, excitement, and endless questions from students were the true victories of the day. Seeing young people connect STEM concepts to real-world careers is a reminder of why community engagement matters. Every conversation has the potential to inspire a future engineer, scientist, or inventor.
IEEE Cleveland Engineers Serve as Special Awards Judges at the Northeast Ohio Science Fair
IEEE Cleveland was also proud to participate in the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) this year, held at Lakeland Community College.
Led by Mark Hoersten, our IEEE volunteer judges had the opportunity to evaluate innovative student projects and recognize exceptional young talent through IEEE Special Awards.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers who participated in judging and helped host our student award winners at the annual recognition dinner. The students presented a wide range of bright, creative, and technically impressive projects that showcased the incredible future of STEM in our region.
The Cleveland Section awarded six students the Dr. Charles Alexander NEOSEF Award, an award that recognizes Dr. Alexander’s contributions as an educator.
Student presenting his award winning project to IEEE members
First Robotics Competition (FRC)
After many years as a World First Lego League judge and FRC supporter, Maureen Garnett participated as a Rockwell Company representative. She presented the Rockwell Automation Hopper Division Creativity award to the Hammerheads (Hingham, Massachuetts) at the world championships in Houston where over 300 FRC teams participated.
Mark Your Calendars: IEEE Cleveland STEM Golf Outing – October 16, 2026
This event directly supports our STEM outreach efforts across Northeast Ohio, helping fund educational equipment, classroom resources, and hands-on learning opportunities for students throughout the region.
We invite our members, sponsors, and community partners to join us in making this event a success.
Proceeds from the outing will support the IEEE Cleveland STEM Equipment Program.
Learn how you can support the event here: https://birdease.com/IEEE2026
We hope you have a great summer and look forward to another exciting season of STEM activities this fall.
If you know of STEM opportunities, community events, or would like to share what you’ve been working on, please reach out.
Gavin White, PE
IEEE Cleveland STEM Coordinator
[email protected]