According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 75 percent of the jobs most in demand require substantial math or science preparation. That’s why Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Florida recently teamed up with WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA’S STEM Day at the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation’s Summer Camp to teach students about careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Business volunteers throughout Central Florida worked with 150 Orange County middle school students of low socioeconomic status to provide hands-on STEM-related activities and encourage them to do well in math and science. STEM – which stands for science, technology, engineering and math – could have a huge impact on the Central Florida economy, providing the workforce needed to lure more high-tech industries to the region.
Companies that participated in the program included:
· Daytona International Speedway
· The Florida Department of Environmental Protection
· Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
· Full Sail University
· Headquarter Honda
· The U.S. Navy
· Rural/Metro Ambulance
Junior Achievement of Central Florida board member and Senior Vice President of Hudson News Derryl Benton led the kick-off session with a motivational talk about the importance of attitude and how it will impact students’ life.
Attendees then broke into groups to explore different career options. Representatives from the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) discussed common misconceptions young people have about engineering.
“Many people think being an engineer is just fixing computers, constructing buildings, repairing cars … or even driving trains,” said Bob Seltzer of NAWCTSD. “But engineering is a diverse field that requires working collaboratively to come up with creative, practical solutions for all kinds of problems.”
“About one-third of 8th graders say they enjoy math and science, but only about six out of every 100 college students end up graduating with a STEM degree,” added Eric Anscheultz, a computer engineer at NAWCTSD. “We’re here today to show kids that math and science careers are fun and challenging so that we can ensure that the U.S. has an educated workforce to fill future demands.”
To volunteer with Junior Achievement or find out about other STEM educational opportunities, call (407) 898.2121.
