MacDill AFB STEM Day Extravaganza
 
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fuel innovation in our rapidly evolving world. Hands-on exposure to STEM inspires students to pursue careers that drive progress and discovery.
 
Join us for an exhilarating STEM Day Extravaganza at MacDill Air Force Base, designed to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers. This exclusive event will host 2,000 students in grades 6–12 (ages 12–18) for an unforgettable exploration of STEM career fields through interactive learning experiences.
 
Date: October 31, 2025, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: MacDill Air Force Base, FL
Registration: Required
(Participants: October 17, 2025 deadline; Exhibitors: October 10, 2025 deadline)
 
Event Highlights
 
•  Interactive Exhibits: Dive into hands-on activities, from robotics demonstrations to virtual reality experiences, showcasing cutting-edge STEM technologies.
 
•  Hands-On Challenges: Test your problem-solving skills with engaging competitions, puzzles, and experiments that promote teamwork, critical thinking, and a passion for learning.
 
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore STEM careers, celebrate innovation, and discover endless possibilities! Join us at MacDill AFB’s STEM Day Extravaganza to inspire, educate, and shape the future.
 
For more information, contact 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs at communityrelations@us.af.mil or 813-828-2217.

STEM Day History

MacDill AFB STEM Day History
 
How It Began
 
Six years ago, MacDill Air Force Base launched STEM Day to address a growing demand from local schools and youth organizations requesting base tours—over 50 annually. To balance mission requirements with the Air Force’s goal of inspiring future talent, MacDill created JROTC Day. The event brought experts to students in a single hangar, replacing traditional base tours. The first year, five school groups attended. Word spread, and by the second year, attendance doubled to 11 groups. As interest grew, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Day expanded beyond ROTC programs to include all students, sharing the Air Force’s mission with a broader audience.
 
Where We Are Today
 
JROTC Day has evolved into the STEM Day Extravaganza, reflecting the Air Force’s focus on innovation. The event now features displays from MacDill AFB, local student projects, and industry partners, connecting classroom creativity to military and workplace advancements. Representing all branches of service, STEM Day inspires students to shape the future of the military, regardless of their interests. In 2024, over 1,300 students attended, and this year, MacDill will welcome 2,000 students to explore how their innovations align with military modernization and industry advancements.
 
How to Host Your Own STEM Day
 
Start small, prioritize quality, and create an impactful experience. Whether hosting 20 or 2,000 attendees, a well-executed event can inspire the next generation of innovators for the Air Force. Visit our resources for tools and guidance to launch your own STEM Day. For personalized support, contact the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs at 813-828-2217 or communityrelations@us.af.mil.
 

“In a world where far more innovation is happening outside the government than inside of it, connecting to that broader scientific enterprise is absolutely vital to our future. The creativity, initiative and spirit of the American Airmen and American industry must now be leveraged in new domains in more contexts to solve more problems faster.” - Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson

FAQ

FAQ for MacDill AFB STEM Day
 
Q1. Will lunch be provided?
A1. No, schools and groups attending STEM Day must provide their own lunch.
 
Q2. Is there a required chaperone-to-student ratio for the event?
A2. MacDill AFB does not set a specific chaperone-to-student ratio. Each school or group determines its own ratio. Security Forces will be present to ensure guests stay within authorized areas.
 
Q3. Is there time during the three-hour event for students to eat lunch?
A3. Yes, a designated lunch area is available, and schools or groups can schedule lunch at their discretion during the event.
 
Q4. Will transportation be provided to the hangar?
A4. No, schools and groups should arrange transportation, ideally consolidating into a single vehicle or bus. Drivers will be shuttled between the hangar and the designated parking area.
 
Q5. Which gate should we use to enter the base on STEM Day?
A5. Use the main gate at the south end of Dale Mabry Highway.
 
Q6. Is STEM Day open to the public?
A6. No, only pre-approved organizations may attend. To apply, submit your group’s application here.
 
Q7. What should guests wear to STEM Day?
A7. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes to ensure safety around aircraft displays, machinery, and other exhibits.
 
Q8. What student grades or ages are eligible to attend MacDill AFB STEM Day?
A8. Students in grades 6–12 (ages 12–18) from schools or programs are eligible to participate.
 
Q9. When is the registration deadline?
A9. The registration deadline for participants (grades 6–12, ages 12–18) is October 17, 2025. Exhibitors must register by October 10, 2025.
 
For additional questions about STEM Day, contact 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs at communityrelations@us.af.mil or 813-828-2217.

MacDill AFB STEM Day

MacDill AFB STEM Day Extravaganza!

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: MacDill Air Force Base
Phone: 813-828-2217 
 

Click Here to Register Your Class! 

Registration for schools and programs (grades 6–12, ages 12–18) closes October 17, 2025

Click Here to Share an Exhibit! 

Exhibitor registration closes October 10, 2025

Hangar Layout

Committee Roster

STEM Day Briefing