NORFOLK, Va. — Nearly 3,000 students had the opportunity to explore careers in STEM outside of the classroom on Friday.
Naval Station Norfolk hosted STEM Day and gave students tours of warships, aircraft displays, and a chance to participate in nearly 50 interactive exhibits.
"The importance of today is to provide opportunity for our young kids in the Norfolk Public Schools and our Portsmouth district," said Capt. Janet Days, NAVSTA Norfolk Commanding Officer. "It's an opportunity for them to come on the installation and be inspired. An event like this provides access where some may not have that."
Fifth and sixth-grade students from Portsmouth Public Schools participated in the event.
Days said the STEM event is a great way to teach the younger generation about the military.
"An introduction to our Navy, our Marine Corps team and our Coast Guard brothers and sisters," said Days. "The military is not a scary thing. It is something that they were able to get up close and personal to, ask questions, go on board a warship and just experience that potentially for the first time."
Portsmouth Public School officials said it plans to have all elementary schools in its district participate in the STEM day next year.
Naval Station Norfolk is hosting Fleet Fest 2023 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The community is invited to enjoy ship tours, food trucks, and more — rain or shine.