FULL STEAM AHEAD
Feature
FULL
AHEAD
For the last decade, much attention has been paid to growing the education approach surrounding the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Referred to as “STEAM” education, these discipline- based programs, from elementary through graduate studies, prepare students to solve complex problems and become well-equipped for the challenges of the modern world through hands-on, project-based learning opportunities. The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce recently held its STEAM Summit, which encourages middle and high school students to pursue STEAM careers by “connecting them to business and higher educational institutions which offer STEAM courses in a highly interactive, hands-on format.” In addition to having over 3,000 students in attendance, over 100 businesses,
higher education institutions, and local government entities participate in this day-long event that motivates students to embrace the education and skills needed to keep Southeast Minnesota competitive. According to Dr. Jeffrey Boyd, the president of Rochester Community and Technical College, the STEAM Summit has a two-fold benefit for secondary and post-secondary educators. For junior high and high school teachers, the Summit is a valuable career exploration tool for students.
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“Very rarely are so many career paths represented in one place – let alone designed for students to experience them hands-on.
Very rarely are so many career paths represented in one place – let alone designed for students to experience them hands-on. This exposure can help spark interest for students who are unaware these STEAM career pathways exist, and it can also help reinforce a student's desire to enter a STEAM career path.
This exposure can help spark interest for students who are unaware these STEAM career pathways exist, and it can also help reinforce a student's desire to enter a STEAM career path,” Boyd says.
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4 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2023
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