CHICAGO, IL — Before the competitions even began, the energy inside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center was already building. Students gathered around their projects, making last-minute adjustments, talking through ideas, and preparing to present months of work.
STEMCON combined four core programs, CONSEF, RoboCON, Math Olympics, and the STEM Expo, creating a space where participants could apply what they’ve learned, share their ideas, and connect with peers from across the Concept Schools network and beyond.
This year saw strong participation, with 1,189 student entries across competitions and exhibitions. Approximately 120 students took part in multiple events, including both CONSEF/STEM Expo and the Math Olympics. The event was supported by 231 judges and 81 volunteers, whose time and effort helped make the day possible.
STEMCON is designed to give students the chance to show not just what they know, but how they think. Throughout the day, students stepped into the role of innovators by explaining their projects, answering questions, and working through challenges in real time.
For many involved, student ownership continues to stand out.
“This is the second STEMCON that I have attended, and I am always impressed by the depth of student understanding and their ability to communicate their ideas professionally,” said Mitchell Briesemeister, Director of STEM and CTE at Concept Schools. “Each of these students has dedicated many hours to these projects and their studies in general to advance their STEM knowledge.”
For those supporting the event, the impact is clear.
“I don't know what the kids are going to become based on this experience, but it will have an effect on them and I get goosebumps when I think about that. This will help them in their life. It's going to help them find their passion and I love that,” said Chris Frausto, a volunteer referee with First Lego League.
In CONSEF, students shared research and experiments while engaging directly with judges. In RoboCON, teams designed and programmed robots to take on competitive challenges, often working together to troubleshoot in the moment. The Math Olympics pushed students to think critically under pressure, while the STEM Expo gave participants the chance to bring their ideas to life through hands-on demonstrations.
That real-world experience is something educators value as they see students grow in confidence and capability.
"This is their time to shine. Show them everybody that they're doing this. They're young and they're doing things that we only thought were possible," said Jackie Phillips, Assistant Principal at Michigan Math & Science Academy of Lorraine.
She added that the event allows students to "explore everything else around them" and bring new ideas back to their school.
The event also remained open to the public, allowing families and visitors to walk through exhibits, observe competitions, and experience STEM learning up close. For many, it offered a firsthand look at the work students are capable of when given the space to explore and create.
For students, the experience also becomes a reminder of the mindset that carries them through challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
"Some advice I would have is to never give up because you will never know if you win, unless you keep trying and don't be afraid to ask questions," said Saya Fatima from Michigan Math and Science Academy.
By the end of the day, the projects were packed up and the competitions wrapped, but the impact of STEMCON extended beyond the day itself. It’s an experience that builds confidence, strengthens skills, and gives students a clearer sense of what they’re capable of.
