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HOOVER – Hoover City Schools Girls Engaged in Math and Science Expo returns for its 11th year on Saturday, Feb. 1, with an exciting new venue and theme: Dream Big. This year’s event will be held at Spain Park High School from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The HCS GEMS Expo has grown exponentially over years—from just 65 participants in its inaugural year to over 650 girls this year with 79 teams from HCS elementary and middle schools. The event is designed to ignite a love for STEM in young women and open their eyes to future careers they may not have previously considered. This growth underscores the importance of addressing a critical gap: women currently make up only 34 percent of the workforce in STEM fields.

This year’s keynote speaker is Gitanjali Rao, an 18-year-old inventor, aspiring scientist, author, speaker and advocate for STEM education worldwide. Currently a student at MIT, Rao will share her inspiring journey to encourage the next generation of girls to pursue their dreams in science, technology, engineering and math. The keynote will kick off the event at 9 a.m.

The day will be packed with engaging, hands-on activities, experiential learning and opportunities to meet female role models in a wide range of STEM careers, including cardiology, veterinary medicine, meteorology, engineering and even space exploration. The Expo aims to inspire girls to dream big and see STEM as a pathway to a bright and promising future.

“We want our students to look back on their time at GEMS as the spark that ignited their passion for STEM,” said Geri Evans, Bluff Park Elementary STEAM teacher.

Hoover City Schools expressed its appreciation for Signature Homes, US Steel and The Hoover Foundation, whose sponsorships help ensure the event remains impactful and inspiring for every attendee.

“Join us as we celebrate the future of STEM at the 2025 HCS GEMS Expo, where dreams are nurtured, passions are sparked and the next generation of women in STEM takes their first step toward breaking barriers and shaping the future,” read an official press release from Hoover City Schools.