Implementing STEM Outreach Programming with System Safety
Round Table Panel Discussion
Tiffany C. Owens, BS Microelectronics Engineering; Department of the Navy, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division; Dam Neck Activity; Dahlgren, Virginia, USA
Keywords: STEM Outreach, System Safety Education
Abstract
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of engineering is expected to expand as much as 10 percent over the next 10 years. The demand for engineers and scientists will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Contrary to this growth, a decreasing number of U.S. students are entering Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degree programs that will prepare them for STEM careers. STEM outreach to youth has become a critical area of national interest to reverse this trend. Corporations, schools, recreational facilities and the like are implementing STEM outreach programming to expose youth to STEM fields which can provide exciting and engaging ways to inspire youth to pursue careers in these fields.
This abstract proposes a roundtable discussion on STEM outreach. The roundtable will involve a panel of participants actively engaged in STEM outreach efforts to discuss activities, partnerships and best practices for STEM outreach. Additionally, specific initiatives and programming ideas to expose youth to system safety engineering via STEM outreach will be reviewed. Hands on demonstrations and activities will be provided during the panel. By informing and empowering conference attendees with techniques to perform STEM outreach in their local communities they will assist in developing future generations of scientists and engineers.
