Vols4STEM looks to bring real-world experience to students
NOTE: The following story is from the West Side Shopper.
Vols4STEM is looking for volunteers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to work with educators to mentor East Tennessee students and encourage careers in these professions.
The Oak Ridge chapter of the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA) sponsored a dinner and presentation Thursday night at Hardin Valley Academy to inform those present of the importance of developing a future work force and to recruit STEM professionals, linking them with educators and students.
According to Joe Carson, an engineer with the Department of Energy and chair of the Vols4STEM steering committee, “Vols4STEM is a tool, a community resource. There have been, for many years, many STEM professionals in this area involved as volunteers in STEM-related programs, many of
which are sponsored or cosponsored by STEM societies.”
Harry Paris, ISA program chair and member of the Vols4STEM steering committee, spoke to the group of about 150 professionals, educators and students who attended the meeting. He told them about the wealth of opportunity and resources in the East Tennessee area – Oak Ridge National Lab, Alcoa, Eastman Chemical and many others.
Some of the supporting partners of the project include the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Knox County Schools, the Great Schools Partnership, the Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, International Society of Automation (ISA) and Women in Nuclear (WIN).
Jennifer Evans, director of Workforce Development and Education with the Knoxville Chamber, spoke of the importance of educating a future work force. “STEM education is critical,” she said. “We must prepare students for jobs that don’t even exist yet.”
Through their efforts, professionals can share their real world experiences with students and motivate them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Some of the techniques include working with students on extracurricular projects and competitions such as Science Bowl, MathCounts, Lego League, Science Olympiad and others.
According to Carson, “Programs are going on now and have been for many years. There is always a need for volunteers, and there are always opportunities for more people to volunteer. Vols4STEM is about getting more of the area’s STEM professionals actively engaged in them.” For more information visit, www.vols4stem.org.
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