Indianapolis, Indiana – Arlington Middle School marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Friday, January 23, with an interactive STEM Passport Experience that blended inspiration, learning, and mentorship. The event invited students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities while connecting classroom lessons to real-world careers.
Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, the STEM Passport Experience gave students the opportunity to rotate through multiple stations led by local community and industry partners. At each station, students engaged in challenges, asked questions, and explored new concepts under the guidance of mentors dedicated to nurturing young talent. The approach allowed students to see firsthand how STEM subjects can translate into meaningful careers, from engineering to biotechnology.
A central component of the experience was the STEM Passport system. Students earned points for visiting each station, participating actively, and demonstrating curiosity and respect. Completed passports could be redeemed at Arlington’s on-site store, reinforcing both academic engagement and positive behavior. The passport system was designed to reward initiative and encourage students to take ownership of their learning.
The event also encouraged students to step into leadership roles. Student ambassadors helped guide their peers through the activities, modeling collaboration, responsibility, and effective communication. These leadership opportunities provided an additional layer of learning, allowing students to practice teamwork and mentorship while reinforcing the values of service and community emphasized throughout the day.
Several organizations helped make the day possible. The National CARES Mentoring Movement, Indy Cares, and Eli Lilly and Company’s BE: Black Excellence initiative provided resources, mentorship, and support, ensuring that students could access meaningful STEM experiences in an engaging, hands-on way. Their participation highlighted the importance of community partnerships in education and the power of bringing industry expertise directly to the classroom.
The celebration opened with an inspiring message from Susan L. Taylor, renowned journalist and former editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine. Taylor encouraged students to pursue excellence, purpose, and service, setting the tone for a day focused on empowerment and possibility. Her message reminded students that STEM exploration and leadership development are intertwined with broader values of community engagement and personal growth.
By combining mentorship, interactive learning, and leadership development, Arlington Middle School honored Dr. King’s legacy in a manner that was both practical and inspiring. Students left the day not only with new knowledge and skills, but also with a sense of possibility, seeing themselves as future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in a world increasingly shaped by science and technology.
