STEM Night Out with Tyler Figueroa ‘26

By Sofia Belle Schuhbeck ‘26

On February 16th, Bard students participated in a hands-on STEM Night Out event at Ramapo for Children in Rhinebeck.  The event is part of an ongoing relationship with Bard and includes regular opportunities for Bard students to spark wonder and creativity with children throughout the year. The night's creative activities included making harmonicas, water xylophones, and even maracas.


Tyler Figueroa ‘26 (he/him), a sophomore studying poetry and written arts, has volunteered with STEM Nights Out for the past year and is also a member of the Masters in Teaching Program. Tyler is passionate about becoming a teacher and has been on a journey in education-based civic engagement since he was in middle school.

Tyler says that these activities and events “not only better myself but also help the community at the same time.” Some of his favorite moments include watching the kids figure out that using different-sized pieces of straws or rubber bands produces different noises from their harmonica. 

Tyler notes that this particular event extends to the broader community, with high school students working together alongside Bard students. He recalls, “my high school student volunteer was very passionate. They told me they started volunteering for STEM Night Out because they see the impact civic engagement has on everyone.”

When asked about ways to encourage more people to participate in STEM Night Out and similar events, Tyler says, “Just go out there and do it! Getting involved is easier than it looks. Use the voice you have to be heard and to speak up for others.”

Tyler believes that when you volunteer you’re impacting the community as well as yourself and that we all can make a difference when we’re part of the community.. This level of outreach is made possible by the passionate students who are behind it such as Tyler…and perhaps you too!

Want to participate in a STEM Night Out? Contact Sarah deVeer [email protected].

Post Date: 03-01-2024