HOUGHTON — Middle school girls from across the western Upper Peninsula will gather at Michigan Technological University on Thursday, May 14, for the Junior Achievement Girls’ Dream Fair, a high-energy, hands-on STEM experience designed to build curiosity, confidence and connection to real careers here at home.

Hosted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time at Michigan Tech’s Memorial Union Building, the event will connect students with local women working in science, technology, engineering and math, showing girls what’s possible when they can see it, try it and talk to someone who’s already doing it.

WLUC TV6 meteorologist Jennifer Perez will emcee the event, helping guide students through a day focused on inspiration, exploration and connection. The Girls’ Dream Fair is being brought to the Western U.P. by Junior Achievement of the Upper Peninsula as part of a proven model that has been delivered in four Michigan communities for over a decade. In a region powered by makers, problem-solvers, engineers, health care professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs, the goal is simple: give girls early, positive exposure to STEM pathways before they decide “that’s not for me.”

“The Junior Achievement Girls’ Dream Fair is not just a student event; it’s a responsibility,” said Dr. Meredith LaBeau, chief technology officer at Calumet Electronics. “If we want a strong future workforce, a resilient economy, and sustainable livelihoods, we have to start early. Girls need real exposure to careers, hands-on experiences, and role models they can relate to. That doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when industry and community step up. This is one of the most direct ways we can invest in our future, and it’s on all of us to make it count.”

The day is busy, practical, and focused on participation rather than lectures. Girls will —

— Hear from local women in STEM during an interactive panel;

— Rotate through hands-on breakout sessions and activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence;

— Meet mentors, ask questions, and explore education and career pathways in a low-pressure, encouraging environment; and

— Attend a career fair where local companies will highlight careers in STEM.

To ensure this programming is accessible to local U.P. schools and families, Junior Achievement is seeking —

— Sponsors to underwrite student programming costs, learning materials, and event logistics so participation is at no cost to local schools.

— Women in STEM careers to serve as mentors, as well as volunteers to assist with event flow and help students feel welcomed and seen. STEM professionals, skilled tradespeople, educators, Michigan Tech students, parents, and community members are all encouraged to participate.

— Local companies to participate in the career fair so girls can see their future opportunities.

If you’ve ever said, “We need more young people going into these careers,” here’s your moment. This is how the pipeline starts: one conversation, one role model, one “wait… I could do that.”

School administrators, counselors, and educators who want to bring a group of students can contact Jay Ediger at jay.ediger@ja.org, or register now at https://forms.gle/guVuEYErcoAd8JSeA.

Junior Achievement of the Upper Peninsula is expanding opportunities in the Upper Peninsula to connect more students with real-world experiences that build confidence, capability and future-ready skills.