Next Gen STEM Grand Rapids

Mind Trekkers events are high energy, full sensory experiences—you can expect music, a lot of things to touch and engage with, and controlled science demonstrations conducted by trained staff using fire, liquid nitrogen, and other special materials. A reduced sensory room with accompanying activities will also be available for those more comfortable in a smaller environments or seeking a break from the festival excitement.

Anyone! Mind Trekkers is a family-friendly experience—from infants in strollers to inquisitive adults, there is truly something for everyone. The event is a great opportunity to participate in hands-on STEM activities as a family without having to plan them yourself or clean up the mess. Children and adults alike enjoy the variety of things to try and experiment with. 

Nearly all activity stations, except those requiring a trained staff to conduct, are hands-on! Most stations are completed in under 5 minutes. Activities include learning about circuitry by playing a piano made of bananas, exploring chemistry by creating "gnomes" made from foam, tackling challenging mathematics and physics puzzles, and even tasting ice cream made in front of your eyes with science! A typical Mind Trekkers event features over 50 activity stations staff by college students and community volunteers.

Thanks for asking! Mind Trekkers festivals are true community events—local exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers are essential to bringing each event to life. You can get involved...

• As an Exhibitor – Share your passion and expertise! There is no cost to exhibit, and it’s a powerful way to connect with youth while helping build future talent pipelines.

• As a Volunteer – It takes a team to make an event like this possible. From greeting buses on the school event day to running activity stations, there are a variety of shifts where your support will make a difference. Groups (employees of a company, high school student groups, etc.) are also welcome to volunteer together.

• As a Sponsor – Thanks to generous sponsors, participation in Mind Trekkers is always free. The support of our partners keeps it that way and helps us expand access to as many people as possible. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Cassy Tefft de Muñoz, Executive Director (catefft@mtu.edu).

At this time, no food or concessions are expected to be offered. However, families are welcome to pack and bring snacks into the facility, though a designated seating area may not be available.

This is an open event beginning at 10 am and ending at 2 pm. Most families spend between 90 minutes and two hours at a Mind Trekkers festival, though some stay for the entire event! Similar to a museum, there is no set schedule or programming at the festival and attendees are encouraged to explore at their own pace.