Ohio's new economy needs workers skilled in science, technology, engineering and math -- STEM -- as well as those who can think critically and make good decisions.
The
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Brecksville is hoping to pave the way for northeast Ohio businesses by offering a STEM Career Expo on Feb. 5.
A partnership with the
Cleveland Engineering Society, the
Great Lakes Science Center and
STEMout, an organization promoting STEM in the region, the expo is expected to attract about 400 students and parents and 40 businesses and other organizations, says Marie Elias, the career center's community liaison.
The STEM expo is an outgrowth of a similar engineering expo held for the last two years, she says.
"That was very successful, and we thought we would expand it this year to STEM because we know that all of STEM is important," Elias says.
The expo is free and is targeted to students in 9th through 12th grades and their parents. Held at the CCVC facilities, participants will be able to talk to various STEM-related companies staffing booths as well as watch hands-on demonstrations and listen to panel presentations.
"Parents and students can visit as many or as few booths as they want and talk to STEM professionals one on one," Elias says.
The idea is to help students and parents understand some of the career opportunities available in STEM disciplines -- a goal that ultimately ends with students remaining in the region and taking jobs with local companies.
"I don't think a lot of students understand how we use STEM in our everyday lives," Elias says. "We know is that certainly STEM is crticial and that is where the jobs will be."
The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon. You can register
here.
Source: Maria Elias, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Writer: Gene Monteith