Central College will sponsor a post of the Exploring program dedicated to STEM. Exploring is a program focused on career investigation for all boys and all girls of middle- and high-school age. Central’s post will be open to any student in grades 9-12 from Pella and nearby communities. The post will provide opportunities for students to learn about careers in STEM fields and to meet with STEM professionals.
The Exploring group will meet the first Monday of each month. The next meeting will be Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at Whylie Eye Care in Pella. Chris Huston, a doctor of optometry, will discuss his work and demonstrate the technology used in the field.
Central has a strong focus on STEM and is committed to providing career exploration not only for college students but for K-12 youth in central Iowa and beyond. The establishment of the Explorers post will allow Central use its deep resources in STEM expertise to help high school students research real-world STEM careers.
James Shriver, associate dean for curriculum and faculty development at Central, leads the post’s advisory council. “Participation in Central’s Explorers post will allow local students to see how science education connects to a variety of career options,” Shriver said. “Opportunities, which include interactive workshops with science faculty members and exposure to career options with local practitioners, will help students make more informed decisions about potential pathways to professional success.”
Future planned meetings include topics such as chemistry, engineering, information technology, physical therapy, medicine and food science.
Anyone interested in more information or signing up a student to participate in the Exploring program at Central College should contact Cheri Doane, doanec@central.edu. There is a $24 yearly fee. Parents of high-school students are also invited to be involved in the program. The Exploring program is an affiliate to the Boy Scouts of America.
