The 2026 TechFest at Sinclair Community College brought STEM education to life this Presidents’ Day weekend, and among the dozens of exhibitors engaging youth and families was the Society of American Military Engineers Kittyhawk Post. TechFest — Ohio’s premier two-day science, technology, engineering and math showcase — featured more than 90 interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations aimed at sparking curiosity in students from kindergarten through high school.
The Kittyhawk Post brought its “building fun” spirit to the Sinclair campus with a popular low-tech engineering activity staffed by Post volunteers in collaboration with the American Society of Civil Engineers Dayton Section. At their booth, young attendees were invited to construct structures using gumdrops and toothpicks — a simple yet powerful demonstration of structural principles that encouraged creativity and problem-solving.
TechFest’s free educational programming also provided breakout sessions, live demonstrations and interactive displays from organizations across the science and engineering spectrum. For many children and families, the event offered a rare opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning experiences in a welcoming community environment.
The Kittyhawk Post’s involvement at TechFest aligns with its broader mission to support STEM pathways and introduce young people in the Miami Valley to careers in engineering, architecture, and the construction professions. Through outreach, sponsorship and volunteer efforts, the Post continues to partner with regional STEM initiatives and support the next generation of technical leaders
