High School Students Participate in SciFEST

Engaging in hands-on STEM labs and worship experiences

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From Sept. 17–20, Andrews University hosted 39 students from five academies at SciFEST, its annual STEM experience for high school students. Over the long weekend, themed “Cells,” students participated in activities, hands-on STEM labs and worship experiences designed to engage them with science, faith and each other.

Since 2013, SciFEST has provided high schoolers, primarily juniors and seniors, with unique opportunities to access University equipment, view the Andrews campus and interact with faculty. According to Anthony Bosman, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, these opportunities invite participants to “deepen their faith” as they learn “how Scripture and science together point us to a clearer understanding of the Creator.”

Upon arriving at Andrews on Thursday afternoon, students from Andrews Academy, Blue Mountain Academy, Collegedale Academy, Chisholm Trail Academy and Skagit Adventist Academy were invited to participate in a scavenger hunt around campus. Following a welcome ceremony, students had the opportunity to engage in several activities, including a tour of the Museum of Nature & Science, a trip to the Andreasen Center for Wellness and a game night.

After morning worship on Friday, students participated in STEM lab challenges covering biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, math, physics and architecture. Afternoon options included a 3D printing workshop as well as activities in robotics, architecture and aviation, where students were able to use Andrews’ new flight simulator. In the evening, a vespers program took place at the Robert & Lillis Kingman Observatory.

Before church on Sabbath morning, students attended a faith and science panel on “World Views and Approaches to Science,” where they were encouraged to ask questions to the panelists. Later that day, students had the option to visit Weko Beach or take part in nature board games and puzzles. To conclude the weekend, participants gathered in Newbold Auditorium for vespers, followed by a Quiz Bowl and awards ceremony for the weekend’s activities.

In an anonymous survey, SciFEST participants reported on what they enjoyed most from their experience. One student shared that they liked the event’s “lab activities and hands-on learning.” Another student also pointed to the activities as a highlight: “I really liked the escape room in mathematics, physics, and the interactivity of all the activities.” Other students voiced appreciation for Saturday night vespers and the housing arrangements.

In addition to activities and spiritual enrichment, SciFEST allowed participants to explore their future University majors and professional careers. According to Sable Canales, STEM marketing and enrollment coordinator, data from 2025 showed that 56% of seniors who attended SciFEST later enrolled at Andrews. “Our hope is to present that Andrews is strong in both our faith and our science, and that we can change the world positively and that those are not in conflict with each other.”

To further this goal, SciFEST organizers were able to implement a sponsorship program to help students in need of financial assistance. With additional funding from the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Professions, SciFEST was able to support the attendance of an entire student team.

Canales sees this financial assistance as an extension of the event’s goal to nurture faith. “I don’t want anyone to say, “I didn’t come because I couldn’t afford it.’ Andrews has amazing opportunities, and God always provides in ways that blow our minds.” She adds, “My hope is that the small step of saying ‘I’m going to go to SciFEST’ can be a faith experience of saying ‘God, I’m going to trust that you’ve got me.’”

In the future, organizers plan to expand the reach of the event by removing other barriers that keep students from attending. Canales notes that the team hopes to streamline registration and timing so that new schools can participate.

SciFEST organizers are also looking for ways to include students outside of Adventist academies by reaching out to homeschool students and looking into arranging a SciFEST event for public school students. “I would love to see SciFEST grow,” Canales says. “I would love to see people engaging in faith and science and know that Andrews is a place that they can think deeply about these challenges and go and be a light in the community.”