Every unemployed STEM professional currently has two job openings at his or her fingertips, a recent study by non-profit initiative Change the Equation reported. What’s more, a 2011 Commerce Department report projects STEM jobs will witness a 17 percent growth rate by 2018 compared to a less than 10 percent growth rate for non-STEM occupations.
And with the federal government requiring STEM expertise to maintain itself, groups like the NOVA STEM Alliance, the Mount Vernon High School Pyramid and the Alexandria and Fairfax Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi are teaming to boost youth interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The NOVA STEM Alliance works to generate awareness of professional and educational opportunities in STEM for underrepresented students and parents.
Their event — the third annual STEM Career Festival — is set to take place from 8:30am to 1:30pm on May 17 at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Va.
The free event invites parents and their 4th through 12th grade students to participate in technology experiments and demonstrations and engage with STEM activities and presentations by STEM professionals.
A panel comprised of STEM industry professionals will also speak to the importance of inspiring STEM interest among youth at a young age and will promote knowledge about STEM career opportunities.
Students and parents who are interested in attending should pre-register for the festival online.
