Each semester, University of Vermont students studying STEM — science, technology, engineering, or math — are trained to deliver experiential STEM activities to Vermont youth. They become STEM Ambassadors.

Throughout the semester, STEM Ambassadors create unique programming based on their majors and interests, which they then present at schools, afterschool programs and youth-serving organizations, online and on UVM's campus. 

And on a snowy Saturday late last month, they hosted 64 young Vermonters at the spring STEM Showcase. 

Youth in grades 3-9 could learn about a wide range of fun topics: 

  • Animal Track Detective: Finding the Prints   
  • Churn It Up With Digestion!     
  • Creating Catapults: The Physics of Fling      
  • Surfing Soundwaves: Science of Speakers     

UVM Extension 4-H organized the event, and the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) sponsored it. In addition to the offerings from STEM Ambassadors, several engineering professors and representatives from the Vermont Agency of Transportation provided workshops.

Two hands point at two petri dishes with green and orange substances inside
Among the workshops at the March 21, 2026 spring STEM Showcase was "Constructing Cartilage." Photo by Chris Dissinger, CEMS. 

While the STEM Ambassador program is focused on getting youth excited about these fields and connected to UVM, the undergraduate participants get a lot out of it, too. The following three STEM Ambassadors reflect on their experiences:

Kayli Pike, Class of 2026

Computer Science and Chinese Double Major, History Minor

I first joined the STEM Ambassadors in the fall of 2024. For the Spring Showcase this semester, my program was called “The Physics of Fling: Creating Catapults.” We presented a short slideshow about the basic physics behind catapults and the various types of catapults. We then asked them to try and make their own (alone or in a group if they’d like) with materials we supplied (ex: popsicle sticks, rubber bands, bottle caps, etc.). Our goal was for the kids to walk away with an understanding of basic physics concepts related to catapults (kinetic and potential energy, tension, projectile motion, counterweight, etc.). 

I honestly joined the STEM Ambassadors program because I thought it would be good to get some working experience in the STEM field, but I gained far more than I expected to. It is incredibly rewarding being able to provide students with experiential learning programs in topics they might not otherwise explore. For example, during an afterschool program, we challenged the kids to build weatherproof greenhouses using only recycled materials. To test their durability, we simulated natural disasters by fanning cardboard to create high winds and shaking tables to mimic earthquakes. What surprised me was, without prompting, the kids started comparing their greenhouses and considered what worked better and why. Their initiative to think analytically about the activity and problem-solve was great to see. Also, I often found myself surprised by the kids’ ability to take what they’d just been taught and apply it in such creative ways. 

This role has also been helpful for my professional development in allowing me to practice conveying complex messages to a specific audience. The ability to convey ideas clearly is a skill that translates to any age group or professional setting. 

As my time as a STEM Ambassador concludes, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I would have loved to have a program like this available to me as a child, and I am so happy it will continue to serve as a resource for youth across Vermont.

A photo of a young woman and a young girl working with popsicle sticks and a glue gun.
Kayli Pike, right, works with a young person on building a catapult at the spring STEM Showcase. Photo by Chris Dissinger, CEMS. 

Abby Leffler, Class of 2027

Animal Science Major on pre-Veterinary track, Chemistry Minor

This year at the Spring Showcase, I was part of the Churn It Up With Digestion project. We walked through all of the organs involved in the digestive system and had a hands-on activity simulating digestion in the mouth and stomach. 

I became a STEM Ambassador because I really love my major, and I love working with kids. It is super fun to teach them about the things that I am passionate about. I did an activity with digestion because it is relevant to a lot of my previous studies. 

I think that this program has really helped me get comfortable speaking in front of crowds and has taught me to take initiative. While we have support with things like getting supplies for our projects and getting feedback on how to improve our presentations or activities, we as STEM Ambassadors really get to take control on what lessons we want to teach and what activities we want to create.

Two young adults watch two children place labels on an outline of a human body titled "the digestive system"
Young Vermonters participate in "Churn It Up With Digestion!" at the spring STEM Showcase. Photo by Chris Dissinger, CEMS.

Delaney McGrath, Class of 2028

Neuroscience Major, Pharmacology Minor

I wanted to be a STEM Ambassador because I think it is important to show younger students how important STEM is and how many possibilities there are.

For the showcase, I co-led the “Churn It Up With Digestion!” activity with the Abby. We chose to teach about digestion because it discusses systems, organs, and enzymes, which are a more medical aspect of STEM. I wanted to shine a light on the STEM portion of medicine, which is something I am very interested in. We had a very interactive group who was eager to learn. The students connected topics we mentioned to examples in their own lives. We dove deeper into enzymes and diabetes feedback loops on the chalkboard because they wanted to know more information. Their questions made it feel like the activity was important to them and was a rewarding feeling. 

As a STEM Ambassador, I have learned many valuable things about presenting and my confidence has grown. STEM Ambassador is a great opportunity to give back to the community, inspire youth, and improve upon your own skills.

Undergraduate UVM students interested in applying to be a STEM Ambassador next year still have time to do so at UVM JobX (ID: 9789). They can also contact Lake Champlain Sea Grant Watershed Education Partnership Coordinator Caroline McKelvey at Caroline.McKelvey@uvm.edu for more information. Interviews will be held the week of April 6-13.