Presented by Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) and SWOCC STEAM Pathways; Blast Off into STEM!  SWOCC release - COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, to attend “Blast Off into STEM!”, a free science fair featuring judges from the community and the College. All ages are welcome to view the projects. Student participation is limited to students from grades 4 - 12 within Oregon’s 4th Congressional District.  The fair will be held in the Lakeview Meeting Rooms located in the Hales Center for the Performing Arts/Empire Hall on Southwestern’s Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, Oregon.  Register here:  [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftt4J9s1aln0Wi4Q-QGqtbvrmoo5rljLOg4PfZg2I05g_n2Q/viewform]    About the Science Fair:  This is the first year of an exciting community event that celebrates curiosity, hands-on learning, and student innovation. This year’s science fair will feature projects from students across Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, including Benton, Coos, Curry, northern Douglas, Lane, and Lincoln counties. Students in grades 4 - 12 will present projects exploring scientific concepts in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, engineering, and technology.  Student Participants are encouraged to investigate real-world questions, conduct experiments, explore their curiosity and creativity over several weeks leading up to the showcase.  Attendees will have the opportunity to:  View interactive exhibits and student demonstrations; Speak with young scientists about their work; Celebrate award winners in each grade category; Engage in hands-on STEM activities provided by teachers and community partners; Attendance at the science fair is open to families, community members, and organizations interested in supporting STEM education and student achievement.  All student participants may receive certificates recognizing their creativity and effort. Additional awards may be provided through in-kind donations such as educational materials, gift cards, or event supplies. Monetary donations cannot be accepted. Those interested in contributing may contact [email protected] by May 2, 2026.  For more information contact the event organizers: Cassie Coyner, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at 541-888-7416, or [email protected], and Sabrina Pingree, OSGC Student Ambassador at [email protected].  To learn more about STEM degrees at Southwestern visit: https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/stem/.