SHPE National Convention · Indianapolis 2026

SHPE Familia STEM Experience: Indianapolis

In partnership with Indiana Professional Chapter, Monarca Academy and SHPE National Convention

Wed, October 28, 2026

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Monarca Academy

Sat, October 31, 2026

Familia Fest · Indiana Convention Center

Partner with usSee the impact
SHPE Día de Ciencias — Engaging Communities in STEMMonarca Academy logoEquipando Padres — Apoya el éxito de tu estudiante
SHPE volunteer leads a student through a hands-on algae string polymer lab at Día de Ciencias.
SHPE volunteers lead hands-on STEM stations at Día de Ciencias.

Our Mission

Early exposure changes everything.

Día de Ciencias brings hands-on STEM directly to 6th–9th grade students who may have never met a Hispanic engineer. In a single high-energy day, SHPE volunteers run small-group experiments that turn curiosity into confidence — and show students that a future in science, technology, engineering, or math belongs to them.

160

Students served

6th–9th graders from the Indianapolis community

Oct 28

Día de Ciencias

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Monarca Academy

Oct 31

Familia Fest

9th graders & parents at the National Convention

100%

Volunteer-led

SHPE members lead every activity

Two Days, One Pipeline

From a first STEM experience to a future career

Día de Ciencias is the spark. Three days later, students and families step into the SHPE National Convention itself — bridging the classroom and actual careers as well as family support for navigating the college journey through Equipando Padres.

SHPE volunteer guides middle-school students through a hands-on 3D-printing activity at Día de Ciencias.
1October 28 · 9 AM – 1 PM

Día de Ciencias

Monarca Academy · 160 students (two groups of 80) · Grades 6–9

SHPE volunteers lead rotating, hands-on STEM stations. Students build, test, and discover alongside Hispanic professionals who look like them and share their language and culture.

  • 9:00 – 11:00 AMSession 1 · 80 students — Welcome & kickoff, rotating hands-on STEM stations, STEM career connections, and closing reflection.
  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMSession 2 · 80 students — Second cohort repeats the full experience with a fresh set of SHPE volunteer-led stations.
A volunteer and student work together on a hands-on STEM project during Familia Day at the SHPE National Convention.
2October 31 · National Convention

Familia Fest at the Convention

9th graders & their parents

9th grade students and their parents are invited to experience the SHPE National Convention firsthand — turning a one-day event into a family commitment to STEM.

Students · Career Fair Tour

Guided tour of the national career fair — meeting companies, interns, and universities that recruit Hispanic STEM talent.

Parents · Equipando Padres

Programming that equips families to navigate college applications, financial aid, and scholarships — in their language.

Families · Familia Fest

Everyone comes together for Familia Fest at the Convention site — celebrating culture, community, and possibility.

Why Partner With Us

Your support powers the full pipeline

Día de Ciencias and Familia Fest are free for students and families. Your partnership covers materials, transportation to the Convention, meals, and the volunteer program that makes both days possible — and measurable.

Materials & Activities

Hands-on activity supplies, safety gear, and equipment for every STEM station.

Convention Access

Transportation and entry for 9th graders and parents on October 31.

Meals & Program

Lunch, snacks, volunteer training, and Equipando Padres resources.

Become a Partner