Cultivating Naval STEM Interest at an Early Age
Abstract
The Navy League of the United States (NLUS) believes that introducing and engaging youthwith programs that link the knowledge, skill,s and competencies of a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education with the excitement of real-world interactive ap,plications and career opportunities will inspire and motivate them to pursue STEM-related degrees and careers, in both the naval and, the civilian workforce. We are also trying to targetaudiences that may not have considered military and may not have been aware of,how broad the career options are in the service.Sea-Air-Space, held annually is the largest maritime exposition in North America. It, was established as a forum to engage the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector companies and key military decision makers at, an innovative, educational, and professional level focused on maritime readiness. To promote and sustain a strong naval presence in,to the future, professional workforce development, with a special emphasis on the areas of STEM, events need to beincorporated as an,other vital aspect of the exposition. Maintaining a robust STEM workforce is critical to meeting the goals and tackling the challeng,es presented to the naval industry and fighting force. To that end, access to a strong workforce pipeline becomes paramount, as fewe,r students are graduating with the preparation, interest and knowledge needed to pursue STEM careers. Middle and high school student,s need to be introduced to the opportunity and ranges of naval careers. The Navy League of the United States is heavily promoting th,e event to local Sea Cadets units. Children participating in Sea Cadets have shown an active interest in the sea services and are a,prime audience for a naval STEM event. Teachers and caregivers are also an important audience as The STEM Exposition can introduce t,hem to a broader view of naval careers. When the adults in a childs life have a better understanding of the different and varied op,portunities that the sea services have to offer, they can envision different career paths that they might not have considered.To add,ress the growing problem of a diminishing technician pipeline and to improve the quality and the quantity of the future STEM workfor,ce, the Navy League STEM Institute will host its sixth Naval STEM Exposition on April 3, 2022, the kickoff of the Navy Leagues Sea-,Air-Space Exposition. This event will highlight the importance of Naval STEM careers by highlighting Naval and Marine Corps STEM ski,ll sets, content, career opportunities, facilities, personnel, and best practice programs. The Naval STEM Exposition will utilize a,diverse group of experienced STEM professionals including Navy and Marine Corps personnel (uniformed, civilian, active duty and reti,red), naval laboratories and contractor organizations who will engage with middle school and high school students in an informal lea,rning environment in hands-on activities and career exploration. Imperative to the success of the STEM Exposition is providing a sa,fe learning environment, one that inspires learning and exploration, and that is inclusive particularlyof underserved and under-repr,esented communities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212432
Entities
People
- Ryan Donaldson
Organizations
- Navy League of the United States
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy