WestFest

Ohio State University’s West Campus Science & Sustainability FestivalTwo kids looking at a flower model with a scientistFamily looking at a plant displayBoy doing bug activity at Museum of Biological Diversity boothYoung person doing activity at ENGIE boothEducators talking to two people at a table covered with fossils

 

 

 

 

WestFest is an annual public engagement event that highlights STEM research, sustainability initiatives and outreach programs at The Ohio State University and beyond. WestFest brings together STEM units from across campus and select community partners to present family-friendly activities. The event is funded by the Ohio State Energy Partners, and is organized through the volunteer efforts of the WestFest Planning Committee.

WestFest 2022

WestFest 2022 marked the first in-person event since 2019! We were so happy to welcome a total of 34 program partners to the event. This included 24 Ohio State units, three student groups and seven community organizations. The event featured 30 activity booths and five tour locations. We estimate that 325 people attended the event.  

The in-person WestFest event was followed by a six-day virtual STEM festival with programs for students, teachers and families. Program topics included astronomy, climate science, pharmacy, mathematics and sustainability. Virtual program attendees joined from the United States, Canada and Mexico! WestFest distributed 500 STEM activity kits to youth in Central Ohio. Each kit contained all the supplies necessary to complete the activities presented in the five virtual programs.

We want to thank the Ohio State Energy Partners, the Office of Outreach and Engagement and the College of Arts and Sciences for the financial support that makes WestFest possible. We also want to thank St. Stephen’s Community House for their ongoing partnership as we strive to make WestFest accessible to all families in Central Ohio.

WestFest 2023