The annual ACESS Celebration of STEM event was held on March 4, 2026 at the University of Akron. Over 80 fifth-graders from the Akron Public School system came together for an engaging evening full of hands-on learning. The event – now in its fourth year – featured a “Professor Polymer” show and 13 demonstration stations, sponsored by university student STEM groups, local scientific societies, companies, and other organizations. ACESS is committed to empowering communities and cultivating a love for STEM to inspire the next generation of scientists. Thank you to the APS students/educators, sponsors, demo station participants, volunteers, and the planning committee for making the event a success! See more photos from the event below.
Sparkbyte is the company launched by Jackson High School students through their Junior Achievement program. A video on the Sparkbyte presentation was broadcast by WKYC and can be accessed here.
Thank you to the sponsors of Celebration of STEM 2026: Bridgestone Trust Foundation, Synthomer, Chemstress Consultant Company, Greater Akron Chamber/Polymer Industry Cluster, Harwick Standard Distribution Corporation, American Chemical Society, Microscopy Society of Northeast Ohio, Ohio Rubber Group, Society of Plastics Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, Dr Carla McBain.