U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) celebrated the inaugural graduating class of the STEM Scholars by hosting an event at FONA International in Geneva recently.
The STEM Scholars program aims to encourage youth to get involved in (S) science, (T) technology, (E) engineering and (M) math.
The congratulatory event was held in conjunction with a panel discussion on women in the STEM workforce, featuring keynote speaker Evelyn Sanguinetti, Illinois’ lieutenant governor.
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL)
“Following our many meetings and visits to local businesses, educational institutions, national labs and more, it is clear these students are destined for great things in STEM.” Hultgren said, according to a press release.
Through the program, students were able to meet with local STEM leaders, educational institutions and national labs. They learned about flight simulation, discussed career opportunities and talked with local stem officials at a science museum.
The STEM group also got an in-depth look at how tech companies collaborate with Chicago universities, met with a local business that is working with NASA to send astronauts to Mars, and chatted with workers who specialize in making chocolate syrup.
“It’s quickly becoming the most in demand area of the 21st century, and in today’s globalized and competitive world, STEM education is crucial for our nation’s economy and workforce development,” Sanguinetti said, according to the press release.
The panel discussion was moderated by Hultgren and a University of Alabama sophomore studying aerospace engineering, Annie Hubbard. The panel consisted of leaders from a variety of technical fields.
The discussion touched on how STEM fields might evolve in the coming years, the importance of mentorship, and what inspired the panel members to get involved in STEM careers.
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