Virginia State University, West Point Society of Richmond’s STEM Innovation Networks (STEMNet), and eDynamic Learning Partner to Bring STEM Career Exploration to Hopewell-Area Students

Petersburg, VA – November 12, 2025 – Hundreds of students and family members from the Hopewell, Petersburg, and Tri-Cities region will converge on Virginia State University (VSU) this November 8 for an immersive day of science, technology, engineering, and math discovery. The VSU National STEM Day Expo – a partnership between Virginia State University, the West Point Society of Richmond (WPSR), and the Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) – will highlight pathways into high-demand careers through hands-on, career-connected learning experiences.

Supported by VSU ROTC, the White House Initiative on HBCU STEM Cluster, and more than 40 education and industry partners, the Expo will bring together middle school, high school, and college students for a full day of fitness challenges, innovation showcases, networking sessions, and career exploration events across the VSU campus.

Connecting Hopewell Youth to Real-World STEM Opportunities

A highlight of this year’s event is the participation of eDynamic Learning and its subsidiaries, Knowledge Matters and Ready for Industry (RFI) – two leading digital learning programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand sectors.

Students will have the opportunity to test their skills in Knowledge Matters’ Virtual Business – Sports and Entertainment Simulation, where they will manage virtual sports teams, organize events, and make marketing decisions using real-world business principles.

They will also explore Ready for Industry’s online courses that introduce learners to five key career pathways – Construction, Healthcare, Information Technology, Logistics, and Manufacturing – each aligned with workforce expectations and industry standards that culminate with an opportunity to earn a micro-credential.

“Our goal is to empower students to see themselves in the careers shaping their communities,” said Joshua Sneideman, Vice President of Partnerships at Ready for Industry. “Through the West Point Society of Richmond’s STEM Innovation Networks (STEMNet) model and VSU’s leadership, we’re helping connect the dots between STEM learning and meaningful employment pathways.”

“It’s inspiring to see how communities like Hopewell and Petersburg are investing in their youth,” said Lauren Pisa, National College Sales Manager for Knowledge Matters. “When students can explore industries through hands-on learning, it changes how they think about their futures.”

Local Collaboration Driving Regional Impact

The Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority has played a pivotal role in connecting local students to this opportunity, ensuring that young people from housing communities and area schools can participate in the Expo.

Through the West Point Society of Richmond’s STEM Innovation Networks (STEMNet), the event serves as a model for how local governments, universities, and industry can work together to expand “hand-on” access to STEM education in underserved areas.

“The VSU National STEM Day Expo reflects what happens when community organizations, local housing authorities, and higher education come together,” said Nicolas Pollard, VSU STEM Expo Co-Coordinator. “Our goal is to inspire every student – especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds—to see that STEM is for them.”

Event Highlights

Location: Virginia State University, 1 Hayden St, Petersburg, VA 23806
Date: November 8, 2025

Schedule at a Glance (EST):
● 10:00 AM – Fitness Challenge (Engineering Technology Field)
● 11:00 AM – Lunch & Learn Networking Suite (Jones Dining Hall)
● 12:00 – 4:00 PM – Youth Expo featuring robotics, science fairs, and pitch competitions
● 4:00 – 8:00 PM – Collegiate Expo with research presentations, company interviews, and tech workshops
● 8:00 – 10:00 PM – Awards Ceremony recognizing partners, sponsors, and students

More than 40 organizations are partnering for this year’s Expo, including the West Point Society of Richmond, Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Learning Blade, Ready for Industry, Knowledge Matters, Northrop Grumman, HII, and the Society of Women Engineers.

About eDynamic Learning and Knowledge Matters

eDynamic Learning is the largest publisher of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and elective digital curriculum in North America. Its mission is to help students find their passion and purpose through engaging, career-connected learning experiences. Its subsidiary, Knowledge Matters, develops virtual business simulations used by over a million students nationwide.

About Ready for Industry (RFI)

Ready for Industry, powered by eDynamic Learning, offers self-paced, online courses aligned with NOCTI standards that bridge the gap between education and the workforce. Covering five key industries – Construction, Healthcare, IT, Logistics, and Manufacturing – RFI equips students with foundational knowledge and industry insight to prepare for successful careers.

About the West Point Society of Richmond’s STEM Innovation Networks (STEMNet) and Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The West Point Society of Richmond’s STEM Innovation Networks (STEMNet) supports educational equity by expanding access to STEM programming in underserved communities. Locally, the Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority is a leading partner in fostering youth engagement, career readiness, and community development through education and innovation.

Media Contact
Jordan Campbell