What are the jobs of the future? This month, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates offered his take on that question in a series of tweets (hint: artificial intelligence, energy and biosciences will all be big, he predicted). That question was also the focus of the recent WashintonExec STEM Symposium. You may have missed this annual—and largest!—STEM event in all of Virginia. But it’s not too late to implement the tips educators and industry leaders alike imparted over the course of the day. Check out these six valuable insights on ways your child can get passionate about STEM at school and as part of the future workforce.
WATCH: Inspire Your Child in Self-Directed Learning
Eye Level Learning focuses on math, English and self-directed learning. The supplemental education program, which was founded by the global educational services provider Daekyo, emphasizes ways to help students comprehend what they’re learning, as opposed to simply memorizing facts and figures. The program is geared toward children aged 4-12. The program also sponsors a math Olympiad once a year.
WATCH: On-Demand Learning at Your Fingertips
The Great Courses Plus is a digital video streaming program that contains courses on a wide variety of subjects geared toward students from sixth grade through university level. The company has been producing courses for more than 25 years, focused on areas such as mathematics, history, literature and language, as well as how-to titles on photography, cooking and gardening, among many others. The courses are accessed much as you would an item on Netflix or Hulu, or via apps available for iPhone, Droid, Roku or FireTV.
WATCH: Science Learning Made Fun
What happens when you put a magnet through a copper tube? Lots of hands-on, interactive learning—like this cool demonstration of an eddy current. While based in California, AstroCamp is now branching out on the East Coast. The nonprofit offers programs in physical science and astronomy throughout the school year, as well as in June and July. During the school year, AstroCamp works with fourth through 12th graders, with varied science programs that meet state standards. There’s also a summer camp geared toward 8-14-year-olds; and a MotorSport camp for ages 9-17.
WATCH: STEM-Focused Internships for High School and College Students
Looking for a company that offers STEM internships to high school and college students? The Herndon, Virginia-based federal networking infrastructure company LGS Innovations is a passionate advocate for STEM—that’s reflected in the company’s sponsorship of the annual STEM Symposium, as well as its STEM-focused internships. “We go out and find people who really want to jump into deep technology,” said Ray Ivie, group president of the Engineering, Integration and Services Group at LGS Innovations. Hear what else Ivie has to say about the value of LGS’ internships.
WATCH: Siemens Government Technologies Promotes STEM
As a sponsor of the annual STEM Symposium, Siemens Government Technologies also understands the jobs of the future demand proficiency in STEM. “Getting kids interested in STEM topics—it’s never too early,” said Scott Handler with Siemens. The company promotes Siemens STEM Day, an interactive program focused on technical-related education for grades K-12; and an annual research competition with award prizes ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.
WATCH: Making College Education More Affordable
The Virginia 529 program helps parents save for their children’s college education through tax-advantaged, affordable programs. You can get going with as little as $25: If you start when your child is 5 years old, that monthly contribution could grow to more than $6,000 over 13 years. In addition to ongoing resources such as webinars, Virginia 529 offers information sessions at local libraries once a month.
It’s never too early!
Register for the next WashingtonExec K-12 STEM Symposium.
