SOFWERX participated in the 2024 MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) STEM Day held at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The event proved to be an exhilarating celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its primary aim was to ignite curiosity and inspire the upcoming generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers. Through a series of interactive exhibits and hands-on challenges, students were given the opportunity to engage in competitions and puzzles crafted to enhance teamwork, critical thinking, and foster a genuine passion for learning.

•   SOFWERX staff and interns participated at a STEM booth where over 2000 students could learn about SOFWERX
•   At our STEM booth during the event, SOFWERX staff and interns facilitated the Minute Math Challenge, providing students with the opportunity to actively engage
•   The SOFWERX Minute Math Challenge is designed to nurture quick thinking and adaptability, both essential qualities for navigating complex scenarios. For students aspiring to enter the Special Operations Forces (SOF) or pursue STEM careers, it establishes a fundamental framework for the rapid decision-making skills demanded in dynamic operational environments

SOFWERX hosted a booth at the Pinecrest Academy STEM Night Showcase 2024. The purpose of the showcase was to guide youth through critical thinking STEM challenges. This encourages discovery, exploration, and critical thinking. Attendees learned how to get involved and support the community by building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way.

• The event drew over 400 students and parents, with additional participation from teachers and administrators, amplifying its impact across the educational community
• Students, parents, and facility members learned about SOFWERX, our mission, and how we support the SOF Warfighters
• SOFWERX challenged their critical thinking skills with interactive activities including a flight simulator and a math challenge, which fostered a deeper understanding of STEM concepts

SOFWERX hosted a local school robotics program by providing financial assistance and technical mentorship in the FIRST® Robotics Challenge (FRC) Mid-Season Robot Reviews.

This initiative aligns with the United States Special Operations and Special Operations Forces' commitment to innovation and excellence through practical experience and adaptive thinking.

• Emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and critical thinking, SOFWERX mentors worked with students to enhance their understanding of engineering principles and real-world problem-solving.
• Mentors inspected each team's robots for functionality, safety, and made suggestions for improvements.
• Teams evaluated:
  • Edgar Allan Ohms
  • Jungle Robotics
  • Minotaur
  • Royal Robotics
  • Team Hydra
  • Team Krunch

SOFWERX, in collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) - Library Media Services, orchestrated a dynamic STEM Showcase to engage library media specialists from various schools across the HCPS district. The event was designed to illuminate the potential of integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) components within the school library setting, leveraging the innovative resources and opportunities presented and offered by SOFWERX.

• SOFWERX hosted 80 elementary, middle, and high school library media specialists from many different schools in the district
• Participants gained valuable insights and resources to revitalize their school library programs to include STEM components
• This program update will influence over 60,000 students enrolled in HCPS
• By integrating activities experienced at SOFWERX into the HCPS STEM curriculum, the innovative culture will inspire students to excel in an increasingly technology-driven world

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM, Industry Partners, local Universities, Colleges, and Trade Schools hosted a 1-day STEM Showcase for high school juniors/seniors and college-age students to discover the "art of the possible" for education and career pathways through internships and employment opportunities. 

• 68 representatives from 30 organizations exhibited their capabilities and opportunities throughout the SOFWERX facility
• Participants included 39 students, 12 Government, 80 Industry, and 4 Academia representatives
• In addition to these organizations connecting with interested students, they were also able to engage with each other and form new relationships that will hopefully inspire future collaborations benefiting the SOF Warfighter
• SOFWERX plans to host many more large-scale STEM Showcases like this in the future

SOFWERX, in collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools Sea Stars program, hosted a STEM & Robotics event. The female students were able to build robots, have a hands-on career expo, and present their STEM achievements throughout the year.

• The female students were introduced to various STEM pathways, including marine science, meterology, and engineering through interactive sessions and displays from organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, Corallo Group Engineering, and Northrop Grumman
• The event brought together a diverse range of exhibitors, including The Florida Aquarium, The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Tampa, and Bits4Bots
• At the SOFWERX booth, staff showcased the importance of rapid prototyping and proof of concept in advancing technology for warfighters, emphasizing our unique contribution to national defense and innovation

SOFWERX, in collaboration with the Florida Aerospace Training Center, Tampa Executive Airport, and Tampa International Airport hosted the inaugural Girls Achieving Leadership in Aviation Summer Camp, exclusively for young women from the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa. This groundbreaking camp aimed to empower young women with education, mentorship, and memorable experiences in the aviation industry and other STEM career fields. Throughout the week, participants engaged in various activities designed to inspire and educate. They attended educational workshops to dive into the fascinating world of aviation and STEM, enjoyed mentorship opportunities from women leaders in the field - including engineers, pilots, and astronaut Nicole Stott - and went on field trips to explore different facets of the aviation industry and STEM career fields. The camp also featured inspiring panel discussions with women shaping the future of aviation and STEM.

• During their visit at SOFWERX, the young women learned about the importance of the engineering design process and critical thinking by building two types of robots, including a hovercraft
• Camp participants learned about the SOFWERX mission from staff members
• SOFWERX staff participated in both the opening and closing ceremonies and were part of an all-women panel, including an astronaut, to inspire the young women to pursue STEM careers
• SOFWERX received multiple awards for participation and sponsorship

22-26 July 2024 USSOCOM Teen Leadership Program

SOFWERX hosted and supported the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) second annual Teen Leadership Program. High school-aged students, each a child of a special operator or United States Special Operations Command worker, participated in a week-long series of activities, including visits to United States Coast Guard Sector St. Pete, FOURSIGHT with Joint Special Operations University, SOFWOLF, Channel 10 Tampa Bay, COMMAND TALK/United States Special Operations Command Visual Media Support Detachment, the local Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters in Tampa, a hospitality center, the Henry B. Plant Museum, and the Tampa Museum of Art. On the final day, students visited SOFWERX for a specially designed STEM Day. In addition to many hands-on activities, SOFWERX staff hosted a guest speaker who discussed critical thinking and decision-making processes, enriching students' understanding of the mental agility required in special operations.

• SOFWERX staff facilitated STEM activities emphasizing collaboration, innovation, communication, teamwork, and the engineering design process, aligning with USSOCOM's mission to develop adaptable and skilled leaders
• Activities included minute math, the spaghetti marshmallow tower challenge, and a practical exercise in building functional flashlights and motorized robots
• SOFWERX provided a comprehensive tour, highlighting its impact on the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and its role in advancing USSOCOM’s technological edge
• The students presented what they learned each day and expressed that they thoroughly enjoyed their hands-on activities at SOFWERX

SOFWERX, in collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Macfarlane Park Elementary IB Magnet School, hosted a STEM event for 4th-grade students as part of their IB Unit of Inquiry titled "How the World Works." This unit explored the central theme, "Scientific principles allow for innovation that enhances human life," and included topics such as the laws of science, innovation over time, and ingenuity's role in enhancing society. Approximately 65 students participated in hands-on activities, including a mini math challenge and a rapid prototyping exercise. These activities were designed to foster critical thinking and introduced students to the engineering design process, aligning with USSOCOM & SOFWERX missions to inspire innovation and practical problem-solving skills. 

• SOFWERX staff led a rapid prototyping challenge where students worked in small groups, encouraging teamwork and innovative thinking in line with real-world engineering principles.
• During the event, SOFWERX introduced students to foundational concepts of critical thinking and rapid prototyping through interactive challenges, enhancing their understanding of innovation and scientific inquiry.