High School Students Learn About STEM Skills

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.