CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (November 12, 2018)–Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection (WLC), a work-based learning program for middle-school and high school students, has partnered with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) and regional business partners to host the seventh annual Johnson County STEM Institute on Nov. 19-20 at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa.
The two day event will host over 1,750 seventh grade students from Johnson, Benton, Cedar, and Iowa County highlighting critical science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers including engineering, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.
“STEM careers are critical careers in high demand in our region,” said Director of Workplace Learning Connection Laurie Worden. “Students will have the opportunity to learn about critical STEM careers from our local and regional business partners.”
The 2018 Johnson County STEM event will have a slightly new format to enhance the student experience, allowing new business participants and offering additional experiences for each student. In total, the 2018 Johnson County STEM Institute will provide regional seventh grade students with over 5,000 unique STEM experiences.
STEM Institute experiences are correlated to an increase in STEM related job shadow and internships opportunities as selected by regional high school students. WLC experienced a 91 percent spike in participation for STEM job shadows in 2017 compared to 2015 for Johnson County. WLC attributes this growth to strong community partnerships and hands-on events like the STEM Institute.
New business participants for the 2018 Johnson County STEM Institute will include, IDx, StairWay5, Iowa Tech Chicks, Corteva-Dupont, BioNeos, Mathnasium, U of I Robotics Club, U or I Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Maudience, Schneider Electric, Garden Bridge Outreach, EPX Studio –U of I Gaming Club, Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, and the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa campus Auto Tech and Advance Manufacturing.
*****EVENT*****
What: Johnson County STEM Institute
When: November 19-20
Where: Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.