The Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF), a brick-and-mortar testament to this endeavor, has been consistently fueling the fires of curiosity in children. "Our mission is creating Arizona’s future critical thinkers and problem solvers through science and engineering," Julie Euber, CEO of SARSEF, told Pima County Newsroom.

SARSEF has been to consistently and effectively provide the tools and guidance youngsters need to fully explore their natural inclinations toward the sciences since its inception in 1955. With approximately 1,600 student projects funneled into the annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair, SARSEF has laid claim to being more than just an event host; it has become a regional hub for PreK-12 innovation. Beyond the fair, the organization extends its reach into classrooms and homes through professional development for educators and workshops designed to transform parents into science and engineering coaches for their kids, as per information obtained by the Pima County Newsroom.

One particular program, "Racing the Sun," affords high school students the exhilarating opportunity to build and race their own solar-powered go-karts, blurring the lines between education and hands-on fun. "It’s really cool to see students realize that they can be a scientist or an engineer, they don’t have to wait,” Euber said. “They can do amazing things."

Emphasis on community-centric issues is a hallmark of SARSEF's approach. Chelsea Bowdren, manager of development at SARSEF, noted to the Pima County Newsroom, "I really love when our students say, this is what I saw in my backyard." Projects have tackled challenges ranging from climate change solutions to innovative disease cures, with students proactively seeking out ways to positively impact their surroundings. One standout project emerged from a mundane misfortune – a car collision with a cinderblock fence, it spurred a student to engineer a stronger, crash-resistant alternative. "Some of these problems feel so big," Euber said. "When kids are able to find that little bit of a difference they can make, it’s just incredible."

As SARSEF gears up to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025, its trophy cabinet has gotten a tad more crowded. The organization has been honored with the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award for Nonprofits by the Pima County Small Business Commission, a commendation in recognition of businesses that have markedly contributed to the community. Euber expressed her gratitude for the acknowledgment, reaffirming, "We know that when students get to engage with science and engineering authentically, they build skills that will be valuable to them personally and professionally no matter what."