More than 40 exhibitors filled the Enumclaw High commons Thursday for the second STEM Expo, touting the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math.
Attendees enjoyed hands-on exhibits and learned of the growing demand for a STEM-educated workforce. The event was put on by the Enumclaw Schools Foundation and the school district.
From the Enumclaw Schools Foundation website:
STEM is an acronym for the fields of study in the categories of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Enumclaw School District has been engaged in increasing classes and certification programs for students in these areas.
On 10.11.12, Enumclaw Schools Foundation (ESF) in partnership with the Enumclaw School District (ESD) will hold an inaugural event to excite young people about careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The theme for the 2012 event is Advanced Manufacturing. ESF is excited to present an event that will bring teachers, students and businesses together to expose them to an industry that is currently growing and providing family sustainable jobs for those with the right
skills.
This inaugural event will have three components:
• a mobile training unit open for classroom and public tours
• a Rotary sponsored Business Luncheon
• an evening STEM Exposition featuring regional businesses with careers in STEM related fields
During the day, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) will have their mobile training unit staged at the event showcasing the skills needed to excel in advanced manufacturing technologies. Middle and high-school students will be able to observe a variety of processes that are an integral part of the production chain. They will recognize how science, technology, engineering and math education applies to the
manufacturing process.
The Business and Rotary Luncheon will feature a presentation by Laura Hopkins, the Executive Director of AJAC. The purpose of the luncheon is to promote awareness among community leaders regarding the need for a
skilled workforce in order to maintain our regional manufacturing base.
A free evening STEM Expo will be open to students K-12, as well as all business and community members. The Expo will be held from 4pm-7pm in the Enumclaw High School Commons. The Expo will be a great opportunity for students to learn about a variety of exciting jobs that
use STEM skills.
The STEM Expo will showcase:
• AJAC mobile unit tours for the general public.
• local Enumclaw businesses displaying how they use STEM skills in their workplace.
• regional companies exhibiting hands-on activities.
• Enumclaw School District students demonstrating classroom projects.
This year’s STEM Expo will raise the awareness of manufacturing as an exciting field to work in. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a skilled manual trade as a potential career path: machinists, technicians, electricians, welders. It will give attendees a chance to observe how manufacturers have modernized the industry by embracing new technologies and about career paths in management, as well as product
research and development.
For more information contact ESF STEM committee member Bob Baer at rsurojo@aol.comor
360-825-4484.
