Young people can get a head start on connecting to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Manufacturing
The Times
On Thursday, May 23, more than 800 seventh- and eighth-grade students representing every school district in Bucks County will participate in the new iSTEAMM Conference, helping them connect to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Manufacturing.
iSTEAMM, presented by PECO, is a project of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, funded by United Way of Bucks County, and hosted on the campus of Delaware Valley University, 700 E. Butler Ave., Doylestown. It is the largest county-wide educational conference for students in the area.
The conference offers hands-on, interactive workshops with the goal of inspiring students to consider STEAMM careers. Each student will rotate through one panel discussion and two small workshops led by professional men and women working in STEAMM fields. Students are able to choose the sessions that are of interest to them to give them the best possible experience. In addition to building STEAMM awareness, the conference inspires students to succeed in other areas.
“iSTEAMM is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in career exploration and discussions with local professionals. We hope students leave the event thinking, ‘I’d like to do that now and I know the path that can get me there,’” said Dr. Lindsey Sides, who organized the conference on behalf of the Bucks IU.
“Many of the sessions will relate to careers that will be in high demand when these students graduate,” said Marissa Christie, president and CEO of United Way of Bucks County. “We want young people thinking about what interests them, but we also want them to know where the opportunities are projected to be in 10 to 15 years. It’s about helping the next generation think about their future, but it’s also about ensuring that local employers have a great pool of local talent.”
