A newsletter from San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy Brown, highlighting programs, events, trainings, and activities offered by the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE).
One evening in November, about 150 middle school students came to the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) to meet engineers, nurses, researchers, biologists, and other professionals who had turned their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into their life's work.
They shared a meal together, and students had an opportunity to ask questions about STEM careers and the pathways to becoming STEM professionals. That's the goal of the annual Dinner with a STEM Professional event -- to educate students while broadening their horizons as they look to their futures.
One evening in November, about 150 middle school students came to the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) to meet engineers, nurses, researchers, biologists, and other professionals who had turned their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into their life's work.
They shared a meal together, and students had an opportunity to ask questions about STEM careers and the pathways to becoming STEM professionals. That's the goal of the annual Dinner with a STEM Professional event -- to educate students while broadening their horizons as they look to their futures.
The dinner is just one of the amazing programs and events offered by the SJCOE STEM Programs department. Other events the department hosts include the SJCOE STEAM Fair and Expo, Girls Coding Collaboration, and more. STEM camps run throughout the school year and into the summer.
The STEM Programs department also provides professional learning for teachers, and programs and events for students, in the areas of science while integrating technology, engineering, math, and environmental literacy.
In the program's FabLab on the SJCOE campus in Stockton, students and teachers have access to a cutting-edge makerspace to learn new skills from STEM Programs experts. At the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center in Manteca and the Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center in Emigrant Gap, the wonders of the natural world make up the backdrop of inspiring outdoor educational programs.
I love seeing how inspired the students become when they get swept up in the excitement and have fun while learning about STEM. Students engaged in STEM education are preparing themselves for high-demand jobs of the future while learning valuable critical-thinking skills that will help them in all areas of their life.
Read about Dinner with a STEM Professional in the latest issue of Outlook!
"People can learn about careers listening to people and getting inspired," said Jesabel, a sixth grader at Neil Hafley Elementary School. "It is interesting hearing about how people explain their life, and they're saying that it's OK to fail. It's inspirational."
Explore STEM Program Learning Opportunities
The SJCOE STEM Programs department provides innovative programs that empower students, educators, and regional communities to engage in learning experiences integrating science, technology, engineering, and math. Visit www.sjcoescience.org to learn more!