RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation and its partner agencies want young students to know they’ll have opportunities waiting for them when it comes time to seek out a career.
That was the intended takeaway for local STEM students who participated in a special event organized by NCDOT and Wake Education Partnership at the Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh.
Tenth through 12th graders participating in WakeEd Partnership’s Career Accelerator workplace immersion program came to talk to experts who utilize science, technology, engineering and math concepts in their daily work.
“We are trying to focus on learning about different aspects of the business world and different types of business and the different types of careers that stem from that, and a lot of them stem from STEM,” said Apex High School student Isabella Vlach.
The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program organized a “Safety City” in collaboration with the State Highway Patrol, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Students were able to speak with representatives of these agencies about how they use STEM daily.
Students also participated in a question-and-answer session with several NCDOT professionals, who gave insight on the skills needed for their jobs. The students’ skills were then tested during a challenge to see who could build the strongest, most resilient tower out of paper and tape.
“We hope that this event helps the students explore and expand their talents and provides valuable insight on the many career pathways that are available,” North Carolina Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette said. “As these students prepare for their future and next steps after they graduate, it is important that they are provided with opportunities like this.”
For more opportunities on how young people can get involved with the department, click here.
A Flickr album with photos of the event is available here.