ROCHESTER, Ill. (WAND) - It's a beloved event for students across the area. The Central Illinois STEM Fair brings hundreds of students from multiple schools together in one place to share what they've learned about STEM over the past school year. Students could also visit more than 80 exhibits from local businesses or educational organizations. 

"It's meant to be a fun evening and an evening that encourages the students to take an interest in some sort of subject and just to showcase really the strength of STEM that we have in central Illinois," said Pete Gegen, co-chair of the Central Illinois STEM Fair Organizing Committee. "We have everything from area colleges exhibiting what they do in their STEM programs to schools showing what they do in STEM [curricula] for little kids." 

For schools with STEM-based extracurriculars, the fair is a chance to showcase what they have been learning all year. A common item at this year's STEM fair was robots, designed by high school students to do different things. 

Isabelle Coleman, a high school student at Pleasant Plains, was part of the group presenting their robot. She said the fair was a great space to see what others were learning and where STEM could take her in the future. 

"It's so important with the future and how we have the rise of AI and robotics becoming more and more a part of the workforce and part of everyday how humans function," Coleman said. "I think it's great if students can get involved that way. They have the opportunities and experiences that they'll need going forward in the future." 

Coleman was also excited to speak with elementary-aged girls who attended the fair. As someone who is often the only girl in STEM activities, she hopes to inspire other girls to pursue these careers and activities. 

"It is important for young girls to see themselves in positions like this," Gegen said. "Last year, I was the only girl who took robotics ... I think it's really important to any little girl who sees this to not be afraid to also express who you are in that field." 

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