SAVANNAH, Ga. – An estimated 7,000 students and their families explored potential career paths in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)—including careers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—during the 5th Annual Student Success Expo and STEM Festival, Jan. 11 at the Savannah Mall.
The county-wide event, hosted by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, provided student competitions, interactive displays, and opportunities for students to learn about career paths in both the private and public sectors.
"This event is an opportunity for students to examine in one place the opportunities that may be available to them as they go through high school and onto post secondary education, and then onto a career," said Dr. Angie Lewis, career technical and agricultural education director for the school system. "Our focus is to provide a seamless transition between education and careers."
Among the multitude of booths that lined the entire bottom floor of the mall, members of the Corps' Regulatory Division talked to kids about career paths with the Corps of Engineers.
Specifically, the Corps' Regulatory Division is responsible for issuing permits for any construction or development that impacts U.S. waters under the Clean Water Act. As federal regulators and protectors of aquatic resources, the Corps employs many biologists, chemists, foresters, and natural resource specialists to accomplish that vital mission.
"We want to get kids interested in STEM at an early age so they will maintain that interest as they go forward," said Sarah Wise, regulatory specialist. "At a young age, I believe that kids are motivated by passion. They are curious about what's going on around us and they want to know how things work. That's the whole premise of STEM—it's the building blocks for everything we do."
"We've always had an active community outreach program at the Corps because we want kids to be exposed to high-demand career paths in STEM," said David Lekson, chief of the Regulatory Division. "It all starts with the children. They are our future."
For more information about the Corps of Engineers Regulatory outreach program, please contact the Regulatory Division's outreach coordinator at 912-652-5348 or email CESAS-RD@usace.army.mil.