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How STEM Play Is Inspiring Future Energy Leaders Around the World

Creating the breakthroughs of tomorrow starts with big ideas. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) play fuels the creativity and curiosity behind tomorrow’s big ideas. This holiday season, GE Vernova set out to spark that inspiration globally through a record-setting Innovators STEM Toy Drive and an immersive Innovators Toy Land experience at New York’s Rockefeller Center. Together, these efforts reflect GE Vernova’s long-standing commitment to expanding early access to hands-on STEM learning.

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An overview of Innovators Toy Land in full creative motion.

Image credit: GE Vernova

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At the Rubik’s Cube® station, Scott Strazik teams up with young guests to test their skills.

Image credit: GE Vernova

A Global STEM Toy Drive to Reach Children in Need

As part of its commitment to giving and STEM education, the GE Vernova Foundation is matching toys donated through the drive, with toys going to Save the Children. Combined with additional partner contributions — including from Hasbro and Mattel — the drive will distribute more than 70,000 STEM toys to children globally through Toys for Tots and Save the Children.

“We are proud to give back and spark curiosity in kids around the world through this record-breaking STEM toy drive,” says GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik. “Inspiring and growing the next generation of leaders is critical to tackling the world’s toughest challenges — and STEM education builds the foundation for the innovators who will modernize our grid, advance smart technologies, and shape the future of energy.”

Watch Innovators Toy Land in a special sponsored segment on NBC’s Today

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GE Vernova

Bringing Science and Imagination to Life at Innovators Toy Land

On Dec. 8, Innovators Toy Land transformed Rockefeller Center in New York into a vibrant playground of creativity, curiosity, and discovery — showcasing the power of hands-on play to spark innovation. The immersive experience featured leading toy brands such as Lite-Brite®, Rubik’s Cube®, Snap Circuits®, and Slinky®, along with interactive exhibits designed to make science and technology fun and accessible for children of all ages, including:

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Power Patterns (Lite-Brite®): Kids created large-scale illuminated designs that evolved as guests added their own colorful pegs.

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Grid Builder (Snap Circuits®): Children experimented with real circuits to see how electricity moves through a system, similar to a working power grid.

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Carbon Capture Lab: Learners revealed hidden “carbon” using safe materials and explored how engineers capture it from the air.

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AI Robot Explorer: Guests stepped inside a digital wind turbine blade and guided an AI-powered robot through an inspection challenge inspired by real clean energy technology.

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Motion Momentum Lab (Slinky®): Participants raced Slinky toys down tracks to experience how stored energy converts into motion.

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Power Portrait Studio: Motion-tracking technology transformed children’s movements into flowing ribbons of color and light.

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Pattern Puzzle Lab (Rubik’s Cube®): Visitors tackled pattern-recognition puzzles inspired by Rubik’s Cube and connected them to real engineering problem-solving.

Scientists from GE Vernova’s Advanced Research led demonstrations throughout the day, and students from several New York City schools — including Energy Tech High School — participated in special field trips to explore the exhibits firsthand.

Employees said the experience brought the excitement of STEM learning to life. “My son loved exploring different circuit designs,” said Todd Stryker, principal engineer, Advanced Research, GE Vernova. “It made him question how electricity flows and powers our world — the kind of thinking that leads to innovation.”

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A playful moment of science and curiosity for Todd Stryker and his son at Innovators Toy Land.

Image credit: GE Vernova

kids test a hands-on challenge at Innovators Toy Land

A shared moment of surprise and discovery as the kids test a hands-on challenge at Innovators Toy Land.

Image credit: GE Vernova

Why Expanding Access to STEM Play Matters

STEM play has always helped kids make sense of how the world works. But access isn’t universal — and expanding it is essential for building the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of energy. According to the International Energy Agency, the global energy sector is expected to generate 30 million new jobs by 2030, so building a robust talent pipeline is essential.

“Within the next decade, one of the greatest challenges for the energy sector will be the increasing demand for skilled workers,” says GE Vernova Foundation President Kristin Carvell. “We are proudly committed to investing in programs and opportunities like the Toy Drive to help grow skills and encourage future leaders to choose careers in the energy sector.”

Her message reflects the heart of GE Vernova’s global giving campaign: investing early in curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning to ensure that young people can see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and inventors.

: A future inventor in the making

A future inventor in the making during his visit to Innovators Toy Land.

Image credit: GE Vernova

Powering the Future, One Moment of Curiosity at a Time

The ideas that will transform tomorrow’s energy systems are being shaped right now — in classrooms, living rooms, and playful moments across the globe. Through generosity, partnership, and a commitment to STEM education, GE Vernova is helping inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and creators.

One toy. One experiment. One spark of curiosity at a time.

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