On Thursday, May 23, more than 800 7th and 8th grade students representing every school district in Bucks County will participate in the new iSTEAMM Conference, helping them connect to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Manufacturing (STEAMM).
iSTEAMM, presented by PECO, is a project of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, funded by United Way of Bucks County, and hosted on the campus of Delaware Valley University. It is the largest county-wide educational conference for students in the area.
“Delaware Valley University is pleased to be partnering with the United Way and the Bucks IU on a program that will help area students explore new possibilities for their futures,” said DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo. “We look forward to hosting the students and helping to provide engaging and exciting opportunities for learning on our campus.”
The conference offers hands-on, interactive workshops with the goal of inspiring students to consider STEAMM careers. Each student will rotate through one panel discussion and two small workshops led by professional women and men working in STEAMM fields. Students are able to choose the sessions that are of interest to them to give them the best possible experience. In addition to building STEAMM awareness, the conference inspires students to succeed in other areas.
“iSTEAMM is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in career exploration and discussions with local professionals. We hope students leave the event thinking, ‘I’d like to do that and now I know the path that can get me there,’” says Dr. Lindsey Sides, who organizes the conference on behalf of the Bucks IU.
“Many of the sessions will relate to careers that will be in high demand when these students graduate,” says Marissa Christie, President and CEO at United Way of Bucks County. “We want young people thinking about what interests them – but we also want them to know where the opportunities are projected to be in 10 to 15 years. It’s about helping the next generation think about their future, but it’s also about ensuring that local employers have a great pool of local talent,” she says.
2019 iSTEAMM Conference sponsors include; (Presenting Sponsor) PECO; (Gold Sponsors) DOW, Solvay, and SUEZ; (Silver Sponsors) Bucks County Community College and PPL Electric Utilities; (Bronze Sponsors) BB&T, Comcast, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, Langan Engineering, Mr. D’s Tees, Parx Casino, Penn Community Bank, Quaker Color, UGI Electric Utilities, and Wegmans.