On Saturday, October 15^th, George Mason University is partnering with the Franconia District of Fairfax County and STEM NOLA to host its first STEAM FEST to expose, inspire, and engage youth in STEAM learning. To give you an idea of the type of event we are hosting, here’s a link to a video of a past STEAM FEST event hosted by STEM NOLA. Scholars in grades K-12 from across the DMV area will have the opportunity to design, build, and test more than 50 different STEM activities including designing and programming robots, racing remote control cars, and engaging in virtual reality and artificial intelligence demonstrations. Other activities include making soap, all-natural popsicles, flying drones in our drone cage, and building tooth-pick bridges and towers. 

We are anticipating over 500 students to attend, so we are reaching out to recruit volunteers. Volunteers will serve as role models for the day and help scholars with STEAM activities. Training will be provided on the day of the event, so we welcome STEAM students from any background. Below are more details about the event: 

Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022 
Time: 8am – 12pm (On-site Training: 8am – 9am; STEAM FEST: 9am – 12pm)
Location: Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22306 
Attendees: K-12 Scholars and their parents/guardians from the Franconia District, which includes areas of Springfield, Franconia, Kingstowne, and Hybla Valley

Video of Past STEM Fest Event

Volunteers can sign up using our registration form until Monday, October 10.

This week, we interviewed the PhD in Education Student Organization (PESO) President to learn more about this CEHD-related organization. Keep reading to learn more about PESO, and to find out how you can get involved!

Who is eligible to join PESO?

Membership in PESO is inclusive of all CEHD doctoral students in good academic standing and is not restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, age, part- or full-time student status, marital status, personal appearance, or political affiliation.

What is the mission of PESO?

PESO was established to advance collegiality, advocate for doctoral student needs, and develop and sustain professional relationships among all doctoral students, faculty, and staff within the College of Education and Human Development. With this in mind, the CEHD PhD in Education Student Organization seeks to:

• Foster informal and formal interactions, collaborations, and accountability;
• Provide an open and inclusive forum for our membership to express their concerns, achievement, and ideas that prepare members for continued research, future academia, and careers in our fields;
• Promote professional development through discussions, presentations, and trainings that strengthen our scholarly endeavors;
• Share advice, resources, and experiences to assist one another through doctoral studies;
• Host social and networking events on and off campus to create community
• Foster a sense of belonging and success for diverse PhD students- e.g. underrepresented students according to their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, culture, language, nationality, ability level, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, expression of religion, or/and additional underrepresented backgrounds.
• Represent the collective opinions and shared interests of our membership to the appropriate authorities at the program, College, University level and beyond
• Encourage participation in activities relating to the organization and collaboration with the College of Education and Human Development, its various programs, and George Mason University.

Why should students join PESO?

Joining PESO presents students with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers, expand and improve their professional skills, and serve our Mason learning community.

What kinds of events does your organization offer?

We offer both in-person and virtual events as well as digital resources including:

• PESO Professional Growth Sessions, a monthly virtual mentoring series hosted in collaboration with the CEHD PhD Committee
• PESO General Body Meetings, opportunities to meet PESO members and get updated on current organizational happenings (and have fun!)
• PESO Critical Issues Discussion Group Meetings, informal gatherings designed to help students using critical theories in their research to ask questions and get mentoring from peers who are currently using critical frameworks in their research
• AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

What is your favorite thing about being in PESO?

I came to Mason and joined PESO during 2020 when everything was virtual and life just felt different and disconnected. Through PESO I found community, connection, and purpose during those weird and isolating times. I love being a part of the PESO community!

What is the best way to contact PESO to get involved?

There are lots of ways to reach out to us! 

You can connect with us on social media: 

• Instagram: @gmu_peso
• Twitter: @GmuPeso 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/559360042310650 
• Slack: peso-talk.slack.com

You can use your GMU login username and password to access our homepage and PhD resources at: https://mason360.gmu.edu/peso/home/

You can also email us at: [email protected]

Is there anything else you think the Mason CEHD community should know about PESO?

PESO is here to support and help PhD students make the most of their doctoral experience. We always welcome new members and invite your suggestions for how to better serve our PESO community.

This week, we interviewed the Sport Management Society (SMS) President to learn more about this CEHD-related organization. Keep reading to learn more about SMS, and to find out how you can get involved!

Who is eligible to join Sport Management Society?

Any student, no matter their major, is able to join Sport Management Society (SMS)! 

What is the mission of Sport Management Society?

We are a club that helps provide our members with educational and networking opportunities to provide insight into the sporting industry.  

Why should students join Sport Management Society?

Joining our organization is a great opportunity to truly explore your interests in the sports world.

What kinds of events does your organization offer?

We are currently looking to attend an NFL and NBA game as a club. We are also attending Sport Conferences in 2023 (SINC and SEME conferences) both in Washington DC.

What is your favorite thing about being in Sport Management Society?

My favorite thing is the conversations we have with other members of the club — helping others and receiving help navigating the complexities of the sports world. 

What is the best way to contact Sport Management Society to get involved?

 The best way to contact our organization is through our email [email protected]. You can also join our organization on Mason360!

Is there anything else you think the Mason CEHD community should know about Sport Management Society?

We are here to help and have fun with sports!