Sally Ride Science and the University of Washington Bothell will host a Sally Ride Science Festival from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Oct. 4.

The festival will take place on the University of Washington Bothell’s campus, and will feature workshops, guest speakers, and a street fair among other attractions, all with a focus on fueling student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

In addition to its more than two dozen hands-on workshops, the festival is scheduling appearances by three former astronauts: Captain Wendy Lawrence, a veteran of four space flights with more than 1255 hours in space and UW Bothell Advisory Board member; John Fabian, who served as a mission specialist on some of the earliest shuttle flights (including STS-7, on which Sally Ride became America’s first woman in space); and Yi So-yeon: a South Korean scientist and astronaut who was that country’s first and only person to fly in space.

The festival will also include a workshop by the all-girls Atlantis ROV team from South Whidbey Island, which won top prize in the Black Sea International ROV Competition in Romania. They have become role models for girls interested in STEM fields.

For 14 years, Sally Ride Science Festivals have delivered a daylong science and engineering event to engage middle school students—especially girls—in science, technology, engineering and math. The company has held more than 100 festivals on college campuses, attracting hundreds of students, teachers, and parents at each festival. The renowned science education company expects this event to be filled to capacity, with hundreds of students, teachers, and parents in attendance.

The event is co-sponsored by the University of Washington Bothell Advisory Board, Boeing, the Washington State Employees Credit Union, Google, and Slalom Consulting, with additional support from Cascadia College, Challenge Island, Spiration, Lease Crutcher Lewis, and American Elements.

UW Bothell is committed to increasing the number of STEM students from underrepresented populations, including women. The university intentionally recruits faculty who thrive on teaching and who can serve as outstanding mentors and examples. Four out of 10 STEM faculty members are women, far outpacing other four-year universities.

Captain Wendy Lawrence and Sally Ride’s sister, Bear, will be available by phone or in-person during the week leading up to the festival to discuss the importance of encouraging STEM engagement among middle school students, especially girls.

“This festival presents a wonderful chance for Seattle area students to see the wide array of STEM fields and careers open to them,” says Sally Ride  “The hands-on activities and role models at our Festivals can help make STEM opportunities more tangible for the students and for their families,” said Science CEO and Co- founder, Dr. Tam O’Shaughnessy.

The festival is open to the public, and a $20 advance registration fee includes admission to workshops and street fair, and lunch as well (full scholarships are available).

For more information, please visit www.sallyridescienceuwbfestival.com or call 1-800-561-5161.