Bethel Upward Bound/T3 Alaska Hosts Student Lock-in STEAM Fest

November 15–17, 2024

The Bethel Upward Bound/T3 Alaska site held an exciting student lock-in STEAM Fest last weekend, bringing together new and returning students for a fun and informative event. Spearheaded by Coach James Reames, the event was planned by Bethel Regional High School students Sidney Lincoln, Dharlene Laroza, Isiah Stuart, Amber Emphamka, and John Brink, the weekend was a huge success. The planning committee organized and executed the event across the esteemed UAF Kuskokwim and Bethel Regional High School campuses. From cozy dorm accommodations and delicious pizza dinners to gym time and scenic boardwalk walks, the experience truly engaged attendees.

A highlight of the event was a challenging and creative project: soldering together functioning AM/FM radios. Enthusiastic and determined to succeed, the students embraced the opportunity to learn soldering techniques under the guidance of Mr. Paul Saltzman and UAF Makerspace Manager Tate Barhaug. Once completed, they tuned their radios to their favorite stations, sparking creativity as they designed 3D-printed cases and retro-inspired boom box chains to wear their creations. This mix of cutting-edge technology and playful learning made the process both engaging and memorable.

Additionally, college mentors Petie Deever and Hailey Hodgkins led students through a Raspberry Pi computer build and an introduction to Node-Red programming. This hands-on exploration opened doors to rewarding projects in remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and data analysis. Five students received their RPI badges. Petie and Hailey proved to be inspiring mentors, providing a meaningful introduction to college STEM opportunities. 

UAF Upward Bound (UB) Director Michelle Spillane and T3 & UB Compliance Coordinator Jessica Massey connected with each student one-on-one during the weekend. They reviewed academic performance and provided guidance on strategies on communication and study habits.  Students explored strategies to achieve future goals and learned the importance of rigorous coursework to achieve those goals. Upperclassmen received tailored guidance on careers, scholarships like the Alaska Performance Scholarship, and financial aid processes such as FAFSA.

The event concluded with a celebratory closing ceremony where every student received recognition for their accomplishments, plus five students were awarded RPi Badges. Fun prizes added to the excitement, and students proudly took home their new radios and knowledge to share with their communities.

A big thank-you to everyone for their unwavering support of our students’ success. We are so proud of all who participated in this impactful weekend!