STEMFest 2025 Inspires Girls at GISA in Central Indiana

Recently, our brand-new Girls IN STEM Academy (GISA) campus on Michigan Road opened its doors for STEMFest 2025—a signature STEM learning event for girls in Central Indiana designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and community. Students, families, and community members filled the outdoor space with wonder, experimentation, and excitement for a future powered by STEM.

From hands-on experiments to coding robots with Girl Scouts of Indiana, each activity sparked joy and inspired curiosity. At STEMFest, kids weren’t just participants—they were problem-solvers and creators.

Why STEMFest Matters

As a leading STEM learning event for girls in Central Indiana, STEMFest opens doors to opportunity and inspires girls to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and leaders. Indiana is a national leader in advanced manufacturing and life sciences, yet women still make up less than 30% of the STEM workforce. Too often, girls—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—begin to lose interest in STEM by middle school.

STEMFest is here to change that.

By bringing this event to Michigan Road—an area rich in cultural vibrancy, resilience, and community pride—we’re celebrating the brilliance that already exists and investing in its future. STEM is for everyone, and that journey begins right here.

The event brought together multiple local STEM organizations, including Nyla Nova STEM University, whose vision is to provide naturally curious students with interactive STEM curriculum and experiences for success in school and beyond. When asked what brought her team out, CEO Nakeisha Washington summed it up perfectly: “We can’t say we’re FOR the community if we’re not IN the community.”

At the core of STEMFest is a powerful collaboration between GISA and its educational and community partners—working together to redefine what educational opportunity looks like. By expanding access to high-quality, hands-on learning, the event and GISA are designed to inspire and equip girls to become the next generation innovators. The school isn’t just addressing an educational gap—it’s fueling momentum and unlocking potential within the community it serves.

“Events like STEMFest spark curiosity in STEM among young people and provide exposure to students and families who might not otherwise have access,” said Ken Barlow, vice president of community Impact at Paramount Schools of Excellence. “They also reinforce that learning extends beyond the classroom, helping to build a stronger, more informed, and connected community through education and innovation.”

STEM Is a Mindset—Not Just a Subject

The heart of STEMFest lies in the power of curiosity. Whether students were building circuits or designing code, they were learning one of the most valuable life skills: to keep asking “what if?”

“If you’re curious, explore your curiosity,” said Allie Mcginn, fourth-grade teacher at GISA. “Try everything. Find one point that interests you, lean into the science in that moment—then jump in and do everything.”

Grace Miller, a second-grade teacher at GISA, echoed this sentiment. “No matter what sparks your interest, pursue it with curiosity. STEM is all around us—wherever you are, there's something to discover. You have every right to be curious and explore.”

The message rang out loud and proud: STEM isn’t a secret club—it’s a playground for the curious. You don’t have to be a scientist to join in, but if your curiosity leads you there, go for it.

A New Campus, A New Chapter

STEMFest 2025 offered families a first look at the future home of the Girls IN STEM Academy—a campus in progress with deep roots and a bold purpose. Formerly the historic Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, this cherished space is being thoughtfully reimagined into a school where girls will grow, lead, and innovate.

Steve Applegate, project manager for the new GISA campus, guided families through the evolving space, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation underway and the vision for what's to come.

“This is a beautiful space, and we’re excited to turn it into something both meaningful and impactful for the community,” said Applegate, who even joined in the fun when a young guest invited him to get his face painted.

While construction is still underway, the energy was undeniable. Families explored the site, met passionate educators and leadership, and imagined what’s ahead. Some students are already eager for the doors to open.

“I’m ready for summer to be over because I’m excited to get into the new school,” exclaimed Abigail, a returning 5th-grade student at GISA.

The Future Starts Now: Enroll at GISA

GISA is more than a school — it’s a movement. Whether you attended STEMFest or are just discovering GISA, it’s clear: STEM learning events for girls in Central Indiana are vital for sparking early interest and long-term success. It’s where girls become leaders, curiosity becomes action, and STEM becomes second nature. If you’re looking for a school where your daughter will be challenged, supported, and inspired every single day, this is it. Enrollment for the 2025–26 school year is now open.

Learn more, schedule a tour, and apply.

Because the future doesn’t just happen—it’s built. And it starts with her.