STEM is a “curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach,” according to livescience.com. Recently, several female Central High students took a field trip to Chattanooga State Community College to learn about STEM.

Keith Bright, Central STEM and Skills USA advisor, explained what the students would learn through STEM at Chattanooga State.

“We introduce students to those fields. The STEM program is for both boys and girls. We provide industry field information, job shadowing, etc. for their chosen field,” Bright explained.

As stated by ed.gov/stem, “Ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities in STEM subjects is a priority, demonstrated by the fact that dozens of federal programs have made teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and math a critical component of competitiveness for grant funding.”

“The STEM group went to Chattanooga State to meet women engineers and was shown the engineering program available there,” said Bright.

Alexis Massengale, a STEM student, went on the field trip and explained its purpose.

“I joined STEM because I wanted to see what it was like, and it was a new experience,” commented Massengale. “The purpose of the field trip to Chattanooga State was for girls to understand that STEM isn’t just for guys. Girls can do anything just as well and there are actually more girls in advanced technology.”

There are many engineers that are women and are hard-working in that field. Many of those who are local went to Chattanooga State and encouraged the young STEM students to stay interested in the subjects that inspire them.

These STEM students went on an educational field trip and benefited from the tutelage of many experienced engineers.