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The Smithsonian Science Education Center projected 2.4 million vacant science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs in 2018. The need spurred STEM camp growth including one that Northern Star Credit Union helped launch.
"In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past," the National Science Foundation declared.
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The Commerce Department also suggested STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 9.8%. That is why many schools and communities now emphasize STEM Education for young people of all ages.
In Norfolk, Va. earlier this week, the marketing manager from the $88 million, Portsmouth, Va. based Northern Star Credit Union volunteered at the inaugural STEM camp hosted by the LEAD Hampton Roads Class of 2019. This leadership class, organized by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce as part of their 8-month program, coordinated this free enrichment camp to address the STEM demand.
Almost 100 young people from the Boys and Girls Clubs across Southeastern Virginia attended the camp held at Norfolk State University. They learned about cybersecurity, geometrocity, nanotechnology, drones, and Ozobots (robot programming instructors for kids) through interactive workshops.
"It's great to see the same excitement on the kids' faces. By exposing them to STEM early and through interactive stations, we open up new channels of possibilities for their futures. I'm so proud to be a part of this dynamic group of leaders," Lynelle Haugabrook, marketing manager for NSCU and part of the leadership group that organized the STEM Camp in partnership with Norfolk State University and the local Boys and Girls Clubs, said.
Haugabrook noted the volume of volunteers and impact on the kids' faces was proof enough this event was worth duplicating; plans have already begun for the 2020 camp. She added, positive feedback from the campers reaffirmed the class' original mission: "Thank you so much for doing this for us. It's really nice of you. Most people would have 'ran' out the door quick. Thank you for not giving up on us." – Secret Weapon (nickname of camp attendee).
"We hope that we are planting the seed of STEM within them," Jerry Sekerak, member of the LEAD class and head organizer, said.
Northern Star Credit Union, founded as the Norfolk Navy Yard Credit Union, now services over 5,000 members across Coastal Virginia. The credit union leadership supports and encourages community engagement from its employees as part of its motto of "People Helping People".
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Roy Urrico
Roy W. Urrico specializes in articles about financial technology and services for Credit Union Times, as well as ghostwriting, copywriting, and case studies. Also: writer/editor of a semi-annual newsletter for Association for Financial Technology since 1997 and history projects funded by the U.S Interior Department, National Park Service and Warren County (N.Y.).
