STEM Starter Academy students set for hands-on activities today
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT’S HAPPENING:
Recent high school graduates enrolled in STEM Starter Academy will participate in outdoor-learning activities as part of a kick-off event for the summer program.
They will build a suspension bridge under the direction of Professor Zahi Haddad, faculty and department chair in Engineering and Science Transfer at Springfield Technical Community College. Students also will observe a tree-climbing demonstration by a UMass professor (an arborist) and his team.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will set up a table to create awareness about current environmental issues and may bring along small animals to show to students.
BACKGROUND ABOUT STEM STARTER ACADEMY:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is dedicated to investing in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) research, education, and job and workforce development to meet the critical need for employees in these fields. STCC has developed the STEM Starter Academy in response to the Commonwealth’s charge.
The STEM Starter Academy provides incoming first year students a jumpstart to their first semester on campus. Participants receive a funded academic experience, launching them into their first year by taking classes, receiving tutoring and coaching, going on field trips, seeing guest speakers, and having hands-on experiences. During the academic year, students will also have access to coaching and tutoring support, and participate in STEM Starter Academy events and activities. Students who are interested in participating must apply. Students of color and female students are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit www.stcc.edu/apply/stem.
WHO’S INVOLVED:
- STEM Starter Academy students
- Springfield Technical Community College professors
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife representatives
- ReGreen Springfield representatives dedicated to building Springfield’s urban forest
- Local artist Jo Sallins who will lead a drum circle with traditional African drumming
WHEN IT’S HAPPENING:
Friday, July 14, 10 a.m.
WHERE IT TAKES PLACE:
STCC, Building 2 (Scibelli Hall), cafeteria
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 8,500 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).
Media Contact:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu