At a Glance
- BNSF Railway and Telemundo 39 are sponsoring the BNSF Technology Awareness Day.
- The seminar will host more than 300 high-school students on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
- Registration closes on Friday, February 6.
The 2026 BNSF Technology Awareness Day is a high-school STEM seminar that will bring together more than 300 students from across the region. Sponsored by BNSF Railway and Telemundo 39, the event will take place on the BNSF campus in Fort Worth and offers students a chance to explore engineering, technology, and science careers through hands-on challenges and mentorship.
Event Overview
The seminar will run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Attendees will gather at 2500 Lou Menk Dr., a location that provides ample space for workshops, demonstrations, and networking with industry professionals. The day will feature a mix of presentations, interactive labs, and a showcase of cutting-edge technology.
The schedule is designed to balance learning with engagement. Morning sessions introduce core STEM concepts, while afternoon activities allow students to apply what they have learned in real-time projects. The event concludes with a closing keynote that highlights career paths and future opportunities.
History and Impact
The program began almost two decades ago as a small gathering of 50 students from under-privileged communities. Since then, the outreach has expanded to over 300 students annually, making it one of the largest STEM-focused events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The growth reflects a sustained effort to provide equitable access to STEM education and to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Key Milestones
- 2004 – First seminar with 50 students.
- 2010 – Expansion to 100 participants.
- 2020 – Record attendance of 300 students.
- 2026 – Planned theme: “From Roots to Routes: Your Path to STEM.”
Each milestone represents a step toward greater inclusion and a deeper partnership between industry and education. The program’s longevity demonstrates its value to students, teachers, and community leaders alike.
Theme and Activities
The theme “From Roots to Routes: Your Path to STEM” emphasizes the journey from foundational knowledge to professional careers. Students will be challenged to design and develop their own technology solutions, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
During the design challenge, teams collaborate to identify a problem, research existing solutions, and create a prototype that addresses the need. The process encourages creativity, teamwork, and perseverance-qualities essential for success in any STEM field.
The technology demonstrations showcase robotics, coding, and data analytics, giving students a glimpse of the tools used by professionals. These sessions also provide context for how theoretical concepts are applied in industry settings.
Mentor sessions allow students to connect one-on-one with engineers, scientists, and educators. These conversations help clarify career options, provide guidance on educational pathways, and build confidence in pursuing STEM ambitions.
The career fair features booths from local companies and universities. Students can learn about internships, scholarship opportunities, and the skills employers are seeking. The fair also serves as a networking platform, encouraging students to build relationships that may support future endeavors.
Registration Details
Students interested in attending must register by Friday, February 6. The registration process is online and requires basic demographic information, school affiliation, and a brief statement of interest. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited and slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, February 28, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | 2500 Lou Menk Dr., Fort Worth |
| Registration Deadline | Friday, February 6 |
| Expected Attendance | 300+ students |
The online portal provides a clear step-by-step guide, ensuring that families can complete the process quickly. Once registered, students receive confirmation and a schedule of activities to help them prepare for the day.
BNSF Railway’s Commitment
BNSF Railway has long supported STEM education as part of its corporate responsibility initiatives. By sponsoring the Technology Awareness Day, the company provides resources and real-world context for students interested in engineering and technology careers. The partnership also highlights BNSF’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled workers who may one day contribute to the industry.
Telemundo 39’s Contribution
Telemundo 39 brings media expertise to the event, helping to promote the seminar to a broader audience. The network’s involvement ensures that families and students receive timely information about registration deadlines and event schedules. Telemundo’s coverage also amplifies the impact of the seminar by sharing success stories and highlighting student achievements.
Student Experience Highlights
Students will have the chance to work in teams, brainstorm ideas, and build prototypes that solve real-world problems. The hands-on approach encourages active learning and helps students see how classroom concepts translate into practical solutions. Mentors guide participants through each step, offering feedback and encouragement.
The career fair provides a platform for students to learn about internships, scholarships, and educational pathways. By meeting professionals from local companies, students can ask questions about day-to-day work and gain insight into the skills that are in demand.
Future Outlook
The success of this year’s event sets the stage for future Technology Awareness Days. BNSF Railway and Telemundo 39 plan to expand outreach to additional schools and districts, aiming to increase the number of participating students. The program’s continued growth will help bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to pursue STEM careers.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Access – The seminar offers a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to engage with STEM.
- Hands-On Learning – Participants will design and test their own solutions, reinforcing classroom concepts.
- Industry Connection – Attendees meet professionals who can guide future educational and career decisions.
- Community Impact – BNSF Railway’s partnership demonstrates corporate responsibility toward local youth.
By combining educational rigor with real-world exposure, the 2026 BNSF Technology Awareness Day seeks to ignite passion for STEM and to lay a foundation for future innovators.
