Five Mission Technologies employees volunteered at the Children’s Science Center’s Family Science Night on Oct. 29 at Parklawn Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia.

The volunteer effort, part of Mission Technologies’ annual Global Day of Caring, saw 300 children and their families dive into the wonders of STEM in an evening filled with learning, fun and community spirit.

Each volunteer was assigned a single activity, dedicating their time to guide and inspire the young minds through interactive instruction.

Here are personal reflections from the volunteers:

“I was thrilled to volunteer for this event! With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in biology, I used to do science experiments with my kids in the kitchen when they were little. I miss those days. I had so much fun with the kids and was amazed at how well-behaved and eager to learn they all were.” — Traci Anderson, vice president of proposal development

“The school gym was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, with a dozen stations arranged in a circle, each offering hands-on STEM activities. From promising engineers to future archeologists, the children were buzzing about exploring, experimenting and discovering.” — Janita Colbert, communications representative

“After two hours, we all gained a newfound respect and admiration for teachers—keeping up with so many energetic minds is no small feat! Volunteering for Family Science Night allowed me to connect with the community in a meaningful way. The kids’ enthusiasm was truly inspiring. We left with smiles and cherished memories.” — Brianna Grant, talent acquisition representative

“I had so much fun volunteering with my teammates. It was heartwarming to witness the children’s excitement and eagerness to learn. Brianna and I oversaw the forensic science table, which was a personal favorite—I absolutely love that field!” — Jennifer Thompson, creative and digital manager

“It was heartwarming to witness families coming together and engaging with their children in STEM activities. This event was a great reminder of how impactful hands-on learning can be. I was proud to be a part of it.” — Megan Weaver, administrative generalist

For more information about Mission Technologies’ 2024 Global Day of Caring, visit the Global Day of Caring page on the Mission Technologies intranet.