Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Imagine Upstate bringing STEAM to Greenville

Staff Report //April 4, 2019//

Imagine Upstate bringing STEAM to Greenville

Staff Report //April 4, 2019//

Listen to this article

The fifth annual Imagine Upstate, sponsored by ScanSource, will bring more than 80 interactive exhibits and shows emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts and math — or STEM — to downtown Greenville on Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free festival is moving its event site to a new location on Main Street, from Court Street to Augusta Street, and encompassing Falls Park.

Throughout the day, pre-K through 12th grade students can engage in hands-on learning experiences facilitated by local corporations, schools and nonprofit organizations. Featured exhibits will include Lego mosaics, hands-on drone racing, air-powered rocket building and testing, pinewood derby car making demonstrations and percussion instrument building, according to a news release.

“Providing this immersive experience in the heart of downtown Greenville invites children and families of all ages to engage in a world of wonder that helps to spark the kind of curiosity that may very well transform into a dream career goal for a child,” said Kristina Toney, festival board chairwoman, in the release.

Greenville-based ScanSource Inc. has been the presenting sponsor of the event since its inception in 2015.

“Technology is changing at such a rapid pace, and in order to keep up with the demand for STEAM-educated workers, we must invest early and often in the development of the next generation of Upstate leaders and innovators,” Christy Thompson, vice president of worldwide marketing at ScanSource, said in the release. “Preparing the workforce of tomorrow is a crucial subject for many companies here in our region, and as a global technology provider, it’s something ScanSource is very mindful of. Imagine Upstate offers students an opportunity to experience activities and technologies they might not otherwise have the chance to encounter. It’s our hope that by introducing kids to a wide range of STEAM subjects when they’re young, we will be preparing them — and the Upstate — for a brighter, more successful future. We’re excited to be a part of that.”