BCPS and the Flying Classroom bring students and families together for the 2026 Fall STEM Fest on October 3

Broward County, Florida – The 2026 Fall STEM Fest will bring Broward County students and families together Saturday, October 3, for an afternoon focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Broward County Public Schools is hosting the free community event in partnership with The Flying Classroom.

The festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College, located at 7200 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines. The event is open to the public and is designed to give young people an opportunity to explore STEM through activities that are meant to be both educational and hands-on.

Rather than limiting STEM learning to a traditional classroom setting, the Fall STEM Fest will give students and families a chance to see how science and technology connect with real-world work. Aviation will be a major part of the experience, with the event taking place at an aviation institute and featuring opportunities to learn more about careers in the field.

The Flying Classroom will be part of the event, continuing its work of using hands-on experiences and aviation to encourage students to explore STEM subjects. The organization has previously partnered with BCPS for similar family events, including the 2025 Fall STEM Fest, which featured demonstrations and activities intended to spark curiosity among students.

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One of the special guests expected at this year’s festival is Captain Barrington Irving, a world-renowned aviator and advocate for STEM education. Irving is known for using aviation and educational experiences to encourage young people to consider opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For students attending the festival, the goal is not simply to watch demonstrations. The event will include hands-on activities and innovative STEM projects, allowing young visitors to explore ideas and interact with the kinds of concepts they may encounter in future studies or careers.

The aviation setting adds another layer to the event. Students will have the opportunity to discover more about aviation and the different career paths connected to the industry. For some families, that could provide an early look at professions that may not always be discussed in a typical school day.

BCPS and The Flying Classroom have used the STEM Fest format to connect education with practical experiences. The 2025 event, for example, included aviation facilities, helicopters, planes and cars, along with STEM projects, an interactive science show, a bounce house and a rock wall. The event was also presented as a free community gathering for students and families.

The 2026 festival comes as BCPS continues to promote opportunities that encourage students to explore subjects beyond textbooks and regular classroom assignments. STEM education covers a broad range of interests, from engineering and computer technology to science, mathematics and aviation.

For families, the event also offers a chance to participate together. Parents can accompany their children as they move through the different activities, while students can explore projects that may introduce them to new interests.

The partnership with The Flying Classroom is especially fitting for an event held at the Emil Buehler Aviation Institute. The organization develops STEM-focused educational experiences that combine hands-on challenges with exploration and learning. Its programs are designed for students from kindergarten through high school and include expedition-based and immersive learning opportunities.

BCPS currently lists the Fall STEM Fest on its official events calendar for Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College.

The festival is part of a broader effort to help students see how the subjects they study in school can translate into real opportunities. A lesson in mathematics, for instance, can eventually connect to engineering. Technology skills can lead to careers in aviation or other technical fields. Science and problem-solving are central to countless professions.

That connection between classroom learning and real-world careers is at the heart of the Fall STEM Fest. Students can ask questions, try activities and see examples of STEM in action, while families can learn more about the educational and career possibilities available to young people.

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With BCPS and The Flying Classroom working together, the October 3 event is expected to offer a mix of education, aviation and family activities under one roof. The free festival will run for four hours, giving visitors plenty of time to explore.

The 2026 Fall STEM Fest will take place Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College in Pembroke Pines. It is free and open to the public.