Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) has announced an invitation for families to attend STEM Fest on Tuesday, December 16, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oak Avenue Complex.
According to HCPS, the STEM Fest is part of the All Together Tuesday family engagement series and is powered by Blue Cheese Robotics Team 1086. The event will feature over 20 hands-on STEM activity stations, including opportunities for students to operate competition-level robots from HCPS FIRST robotics teams. Additionally, there will be other interactive games and activities designed to provide engaging ways to explore math, engineering, and related STEM concepts.
FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1086, known as Blue Cheese, hails from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia. This student-led STEM team won the 2016 FRC World Championship as part of a four-team alliance. According to Blue Cheese Robotics Team 1086, the team promotes science, technology, engineering, and math by fostering a unique team culture and engaging with both the school and local community. They also inspire future STEM learners through demonstrations, outreach activities, and mentoring other robotics teams.
The Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) within Henrico County Public Schools connects schools with families and the wider community to support student success beyond the classroom. FACE offers resources through its Family Resource Center and provides mentoring via the Henrico Heroes program. It also runs after-school programs and the Bridge Builders Academy which hosts discussions on topics such as racial equity and virtual learning. The division manages Community Learning Center hubs at select schools to provide integrated support in academics, health, social services, and youth development with an aim to improve attendance, achievement, family involvement, and overall community well-being.
Henrico County Public Schools serves more than 330,000 residents across Henrico County in Virginia. It operates 74 schools and program centers that reflect the county’s geographic and social diversity. Recognized for academic excellence and innovative programs guided by its strategic plan “Journey to 2030,” HCPS emphasizes academic achievement along with supportive learning environments focused on student health and staff development. The division aims to empower every learner through engaging experiences that prepare students for future careers and personal growth under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Amy E. Cashwell.
