Cheltenham STEM Career Fair Brings Hands‑On Discovery and Inspiration to CHS

The United Parents Group (UPG) hosted its districtwide Cheltenham STEM Career Fair on Saturday, April 18 at Cheltenham High School, welcoming more than 150 students in grades 6-12 along with their parents and guardians for a day of exploration, learning, and community connection.

Families began the morning with refreshments and a vibrant STEM Vendor Marketplace, where more than 15 educational partners shared resources, programs, and opportunities. Participating organizations included The Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem, Accel Academy, Cheltenham Libraries, Arcadia University, Penn State University - Abington, and Montgomery County Community College, among others.

The program opened with remarks from UPG Vice President Alycia Kinchloe, Esq., followed by CSD Director of Teaching and Learning ShaVon Savage, Esq., who highlighted CSD's K–12 STEM continuum and celebrated Cheltenham’s recent PJAS and MCSRC science fair winners.

UPG President Kisha Rodwell‑Green delivered a keynote address, setting an energizing tone for the day, which was followed by a crowd‑pleasing performance from Grand Hank, The Master Scientist.

Students then participated in three small‑group sessions with their choice of 25 STEM career professionals representing fields such as research, medicine, nursing, IT, finance, cosmetic chemistry, skilled trades, aviation, software development, and multiple engineering disciplines.  This amazing group of speakers brought between five and 45 years of experience, and several offered hands-on demonstrations that made STEM concepts come alive.

The event concluded with an informative college panel discussion featuring Alain Sto Domingo (Temple University ’25) and Jordan Harris (CHS ’23), who shared candid insights about studying STEM in college, and offered practical advice for preparing for STEM majors.

Finally, Dr. Chad Womak, CHS alum and Executive Director of the iRISE Center at UNCF, delivered a powerful closing message on the importance of math mastery in an increasingly complex world, even sharing a personal story from his time at CHS.

The 2026 STEM Career Fair showcased the strength of UPG's and CSD's community partnerships and their commitment to expanding STEM pathways for all students. It was a day filled with curiosity, representation, and inspiration — exactly the kind of experience that helps young people imagine what’s possible.