NASCAR Chicago Street Race, CPS and Field Museum host STEAM Fest for 600 students

The intersection of science, speed and student innovation was on full display recently at the Field Museum as more than 600 students from 51 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) STEM and STEAM programs participated in the Third Annual STEAM Fest Design Challenge on May 1. Hosted by the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in collaboration with CPS and the Field Museum, the event brought together students, educators and motorsports professionals for a high-octane day of hands-on learning.

At the center of the excitement was 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney, who joined students in the design challenge, sharing insights from his racing career and helping showcase the real-world applications of STEM and STEAM in the world of motorsports.

“This event is about more than racing—it’s about sparking curiosity and showing students how STEM drives everything we do in NASCAR,” said Blaney. “To be here and help these kids see what’s possible is something special.”

The student teams, selected from a pool of over 22,000 K-12 participants who engaged in an in-classroom competition earlier this year, faced off in a NASCAR-themed academic design challenge. Representing all grade levels from across the city, students tackled real-world problems related to racing, engineering and sustainability—competing for a chance to win tickets to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend this July 5/6 in Grant Park.

Joining Blaney were other NASCAR and industry leaders, including Cassidy Keitt, of Rev Racing, Brian Campe, of Legacy Motor Club, and Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Each brought unique perspectives to the event, mentoring students and discussing the vast career opportunities within the STEM-rich world of professional racing.

CPS leadership, including Kelli Easterly, Executive Director of STEM, and Nicole Milberg, Chief of Teaching & Learning, emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one in making STEM tangible for students. “This is where education meets inspiration,” said Easterly. “When students can engage directly with professionals and apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges, it creates lasting impact.”

Field Museum’s Senior Director of Education and Public Programs, Aimee Davis, echoed that sentiment. “The museum is proud to host an event where science and creativity come to life in such an exciting way. STEAM Fest is a celebration of student talent and potential.”

Looking ahead, NASCAR fans can look forward to the 2025 season, which includes the NASCAR Cup Series featuring the Grant Park 165 on July 6, 2025, in Chicago. For ticket information and to purchase tickets, visit the official NASCAR ticket page or the NASCAR Chicago Street Race ticket options.

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