About 200 high school students from Topeka Public Schools and
Auburn Washburn Schools visited Washburn University today. There, they met with
representatives from Westar, AT&T and Bartlett and West to explore math and
science related careers and education paths as part of the state’s first Junior
Achievement Skills to Achieve Symposium.
“Employers are having difficulty finding staff with the right
skills, and that shortage is impacting their ability to serve their clients and
customers,” said Junior Achievement of Kansas President Amy Burns. “The Skills
to Achieve Symposium is an opportunity to connect students directly to employers
at a critical time in their education. These students can make important course
choices now that will position them for success in college and
beyond.”
Washburn professors gave brief introductions to the world of
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students then broke into three
groups to see demonstrations from representatives from Westar, AT&T and
Bartlett and West. The students also had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with
local executives and have questions answered by area business people. After
lunch, the kids received a tour of the Washburn University campus with special
focus on science, math, engineering and technology
departments.
