TechFest Dayton: Inspiring Future Innovators and Bridging Opportunity Gaps
By Kara Combsa,b,c, Nathan Gawb,c, & Trevor Bihla,c
TechFest Dayton is the city’s premiere K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach event held over two days at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Organized by an all-volunteer committee and operating through generous donations and grants awarded to its namesake 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, TechFest is a free public event. The festival consists of exhibitors who provide hands-on activities and demonstrations at their booths, and presenters who host engaging presentations or small break-out sessions for the children. This annual event aims to inspire and educate the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, providing a crucial platform for students to explore these fields in an interactive and engaging environment.

TechFest Dayton exhibits (Photo by J.S. Solomon)
Dayton is the 6th largest city in Ohio with an estimated 2023 population of almost 136,000 people [1]; however, the community faces several challenges. Census.gov reports that 28% of the population lives in poverty and the number of people under 65 years of age without health insurance is 10% [1]. Dayton resides within Montgomery County, which has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, exceeding 300 accidental overdose deaths each year since 2020 [2, 3]. These socioeconomic and health issues have led to a significant opportunity gap for education -- 14% of residents do not possess a high school diploma and over 80% do not hold a bachelor's degree1. These statistics highlight the urgent need for initiatives like TechFest, which aim to bridge the education gap and provide hope and opportunities for the youth of Dayton.
TechFest aims to address these issues by exciting local kids about STEM and higher education. In 2023, TechFest received attendee feedback emphasizing the need for greater consideration for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-related issues. As a result, this became a priority for the 2024 committee, championed by INFORMS member Kara Combs, the TechFest exhibitor coordinator for the last two years. As a member of the INFORMS Cincinnati-Dayton Chapter, Combs was able to align TechFest’s goals with the chapter to promote operations research (OR) and related STEM disciplines to a K-12 audience. Her involvement brought a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the planning and execution of the event, ensuring that it catered to a broader and more inclusive audience.

Kara Combs, TechFest Exhibitors Coordinator, speaking at the opening ceremony (Photo by J.S. Solomon)
The objective of our INFORMS DEI Ambassadors project was to foster a passion for STEM disciplines (and OR specifically), particularly among kids from underrepresented communities. This objective was met through several means. First, the event was financially supported with money received from the INFORMS DEI Ambassadors program. Despite the event costing over $25,000 each year, the committee ensures the funds are raised through donors so that attendees are never charged an entry fee. This financial model is crucial in making the event accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Second, the experience of historically underrepresented demographics in attendance was improved. Initiatives in 2024 included the addition of a “sensory-friendly hour” with reduced noise levels and a smaller crowd. This initiative was particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing issues, allowing them to enjoy the event in a comfortable environment. Combs focused on bringing in more DEI-focused exhibitors and presenters for the 2024 event. This included reaching out to organizations that specifically work with minority communities and encouraging them to participate in TechFest. The goal was to create a diverse and inclusive event where all children could see themselves represented in the STEM fields.
Finally, the Cincinnati-Dayton INFORMS chapter staffed the event at a joint booth with the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Dayton-Cincinnati Professional Chapter. The joint booth featured multiple activities, including a school readiness activity (management/planning) and two computerized games aimed at teaching kids about statistics and programming. These activities were designed to be both fun and educational, giving children a hands-on experience with STEM concepts. The booth also provided information about careers in STEM and the importance of these fields in solving real-world problems.
TechFest Dayton 2024 took place on February 17 and 18, with over 2,500 people attending. Over 1,100 kids participated, with more than half being first-time attendees. Consistent with previous years, female and minority-identifying children accounted for 43% of all kids in attendance. This diversity in attendance is a testament to the success of the DEI initiatives implemented by the committee. The planning committee for 2024 was excited to have tripled the number of DEI-focused exhibitors and noted that 20% of presenters were female, compared to none in 2023. This significant increase in female presenters is a step towards gender equality in STEM fields and provides young girls with role models to look up to.

Kara Combs, TechFest Exhibitors Coordinator, speaking at the opening ceremony (Photo by J.S. Solomon)
The impact of TechFest extends beyond the two-day event. By exposing children to STEM at a young age, the event aims to spark a lifelong interest in these fields. Combs attended the event as a 5th grader, which was likely her first STEM experience outside of the standard classroom subjects. She views the event as one of many interactions that inspired her current career path. The event also fosters a sense of community among participants, creating a network of support and encouragement for young STEM enthusiasts.
In conclusion, TechFest Dayton is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for change in the community. By addressing the educational and socioeconomic challenges faced by Dayton residents, TechFest provides hope and opportunities for the next generation. Through the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of donors, and the enthusiastic participation of attendees, TechFest continues to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in Dayton. The INFORMS DEI Ambassador grant program provided crucial financial support for TechFest Dayton and played a pivotal role in diversifying and raising awareness about operations research within the Dayton community.
References
[1] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Dayton city, Ohio
[2] Ohio to Track Overdose Deaths as Numbers Continue to Climb (Dayton Daily News)
[3] Montgomery County Community Overdose Action Team
Author Affiliations
a Air Force Research Laboratory
b Air Force Institute of Technology
c INFORMS Dayton-Cincinnati Professional Chapter