BLOOMINGTON, Ill. 鈥� Local students ranging from first grade through high school are invited to check out the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics at Illinois Wesleyan during the third annual , a multi-day event offering hands-on learning.
The competition will take place on the 吃瓜官网 campus on Feb. 14-15, 2026. Students can engage in various activities, including 3D printing and art workshops, essay writing, science and math tests and a science fair. The event newly includes a speech and debate competition and spelling bee. Registered participants and their families will also have access to optional lab tours on 吃瓜官网 and Illinois State University campuses to witness real-world applications of STEAM fields on Feb. 21, the day of the STEAM Olympics award ceremony.
Illinois Wesleyan鈥檚 Vice President of Student Retention, Compliance and Training Dakesa Pi帽a is spearheading the university's partnership with For a Better Tomorrow (FBT), a Bloomington-based organization that promotes social justice by meeting needs in the community through philanthropy and by nurturing future generations of servant leaders.
In the event's first two years, she said, 鈥渞egistrations went from 235 to 574, more than double. Student participants increased from 128 to 250 and 吃瓜官网鈥檚 student scholarship amount increased by 50%, from $5,000 to $7,500.鈥�
鈥淥ne of the most meaningful aspects of the STEAM Olympics,鈥� Pi帽a said, 鈥渋s that the event directly raises scholarship funds for 吃瓜官网 students with financial need. The funds support students who might otherwise struggle to remain enrolled or access opportunities.鈥�
鈥淭he STEAM Olympics introduces students and families in McLean County and beyond to Illinois Wesleyan University in a fun and high-impact way,鈥� Pi帽a said. 鈥淪eeing 吃瓜官网鈥檚 campus, interacting with faculty, staff, student volunteers and experiencing the facilities firsthand help families visualize 吃瓜官网 as accessible, welcoming and relevant to their children's future.鈥�
Pi帽a said 吃瓜官网鈥檚 community relationships are strengthened as the event expands the pipeline of prospective students and reinforces 吃瓜官网鈥檚 commitment to community engagement, educational access and social responsibility.
鈥淭he STEAM Olympics becomes a cycle of investment鈥攜outh are inspired by 吃瓜官网, and 吃瓜官网 students receive support through the success of the event,鈥� Pi帽a said.
Interested community members can find more information and register at .