Families from throughout the area visited tables in the Applied Technologies Building atrium to learn about STEM-related careers from representatives of local businesses and organizations. Tables offered hands-on activities designed to spark student interest.
During National Engineers Week 2024, SUNY Broome hosted its annual STEM Pathways Career Exploration Night for middle school students and their families.
Said SUNY Broome Training, Education and Workforce Development Director Danielle Britton, “Middle school is the right time for students to begin weighing career options and considering what programs and courses may interest them in high school. Understanding the educational requirements now will help students achieve their STEM career goals later.”
At the February 22 event, representatives from a dozen local STEM-related businesses, organizations, and training programs tabled in the Applied Technologies Building Atrium, showcasing the wide range of options for working in STEM. Individuals working in STEM fields talked about what inspired them to choose their careers and what they like most about them. Special thanks to SUNY Broome engineering alum Jacob Kumpon (BA ’18 & ES’ 20) of KLAW Industries, SUNY Broome physical science professor Jason Smith, SUNY Broome staff member and chef Mike Stamets, and Binghamton University School of Pharmacy student Steven Zheng. Following the opening presentation, participants visited classrooms in the Applied Technology building and engaged in hands-on demonstrations, in math, biology, and engineering, including virtual reality and electronic devices.
New Energy New York’s table featured a banana piano, showing the conductive circuitry power of fruit and a person!
Computer Science Chairperson Julie Cooley offered participants a chance to try virtual reality headsets in the VR lab.
Senior Associate to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Dani Berchtold (magenta coat) and her family chatted with representatives from the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy.
Representatives from Binghamton University STEP/Upward Bound talked to participants about the program’s services.
Thank you to the faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners who made this event possible, especially the organizations and businesses that tabled at the event: BAE Systems, Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University: STEP/UBMS, Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome Nature Education, Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County, C4V, New Energy New York, SUNY Broome Admissions, SUNY Broome Fast Forward, TechMD, VINES Grow Binghamton, and Visions Federal Credit Union.
STEM Pathways 2024 was sponsored by SUNY Broome, the Eastern Southern Tier STEM HUB, Broome-Tioga BOCES, and the School to Careers Partnership of Broome and Tioga Counties.
Submitted by: Workforce Development
