Third annual STEM Day brings middle-schoolers to campus for STEM introduction

STEM Day, a PEER and WISE outreach program brings together underrepresented middle school students from the Upstate to Clemson University for an introduction to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Hands-on activities and demonstrations, led by Clemson faculty and students, let these young people know about careers and related opportunities available in science and technical fields.

This year’s STEM Day was held Feb. 9 and drew about 50 students.

In the chemical engineering workshop, students built cars powered by solar energy and salt water.  The electrical engineering session showed them how to use brainpower to control a Lego robot. Students in the civil engineering class learned how engineers design safe sustainable buildings, and how they design safe ways for controlled demolition of old buildings.

Attendees also were able to take advantage of a lunch that brought them together with PEER mentors and WISE Big Sisters.  This session provided information on campus life and what the Clemson Experience is all about.

“Reaching young people about STEM careers is critical,” said Serita Acker, program director for PEER and WISE.  “Our ability to recruit and retain underrepresented groups in engineering and science is vital to creating a diverse workforce.”