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Vail Today
By the People, for the People
STEM Futures Day Inspires Middle School Students
Collaborative event hosted by Steadman Philippon Research Institute, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Health and BONE Academy
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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A STEM Futures Day event was held on February 18th at Homestake Peak School in Eagle-Vail, Colorado, where middle school students participated in hands-on learning activities led by healthcare professionals from Steadman Philippon Research Institute, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Health, and BONE Academy. The goal was to spark students' interest in STEM fields, including medical and scientific careers.
Why it matters
Introducing STEM subjects and healthcare careers to middle school students can help shape their educational and career trajectories. The event was part of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute's EPOC (Education and Public Outreach Committee) program, which has reached over 5,400 Colorado students since 2012 through various educational initiatives.
The details
During STEM Futures Day, eighth-grade students learned and practiced foundational orthopaedic skills, including suturing, splinting, handling tools, drilling on mock bones, and using ultrasound technology. The event was a collaborative effort between SPRI, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Health, and BONE Academy, with medical equipment and supplies provided by Smith+Nephew.
- STEM Futures Day was held on February 18, 2026.
- EPOC was founded in 2012 by Senenne Philippon.
The players
Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI)
A research institute that focuses on orthopaedic and sports medicine research, and offers educational programs to students through its EPOC (Education and Public Outreach Committee) initiative.
The Steadman Clinic
An orthopaedic clinic that partnered with SPRI, Vail Health, and BONE Academy to host the STEM Futures Day event.
Vail Health
A healthcare organization that provided volunteers and support for the STEM Futures Day event.
BONE Academy
A program founded in 2022 by Dr. Brendon Mitchell and his wife Cara, with the mission of empowering students to envision themselves within the orthopaedic healthcare team.
Smith+Nephew
A leading medical technology company within orthopaedics and sports medicine that provided supplies and volunteers for the STEM Futures Day event.
What they’re saying
“Introducing students to STEM at a younger age can change the trajectory of their education and their future careers.”
— Dan Drawbaugh, CEO of SPRI (bakercityherald.com)
“We are thrilled to have partnered with EPOC for STEM Futures Day because of its longstanding commitment to education and outreach within the Vail Valley and beyond.”
— Dr. Brendon Mitchell, Founder of BONE Academy (bakercityherald.com)
“It is so gratifying to see this new program be received with open arms by the Vail Valley.”
— Will Cook, President and CEO of Vail Health (bakercityherald.com)
What’s next
EPOC plans to continue expanding its STEM education programs to reach more students in the Vail Valley and beyond.
The takeaway
The STEM Futures Day event demonstrates the power of collaborative community efforts to inspire the next generation of medical and scientific leaders, providing hands-on learning opportunities that can shape students' educational and career paths.
