Middle schoolers signing up to spend their lunch time in the classroom for an extra hour of learning? It’s happening at Turlock Junior High School.
Once a month, teacher Donna Creighton has up to 50 students enthusiastically sign up for a STEM Career Lunch. For these events, she opens her classroom doors to individuals working STEM-related jobs to give presentations and share their stories with the kids. The program began during the 2016-17 school year with the intent of introducing students to a variety of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“It’s been a really nice program,” Creighton said. “The adults who volunteer to do this, they all have just been so encouraging and helpful to students. I’m just trying to make them aware of possibilities that are out there.”
Some of the people who have presented in Creighton’s classroom include geologists, information technology specialists, computer programmers, nurses, detectives, law enforcement officers, cyber security analysts, paramedics, college professors, pharmacists, accountants and dentists. Others have careers at Kaiser Permanente, Turlock Irrigation District, Stanislaus State, Foster Farms and Hilmar Cheese.
On Friday, TJHS welcomed alumna Dr. Kelly Cone for the latest STEM Career Lunch. Cone, who works as a senior staff electro-optical engineer and is recognized for her technical expertise as an associate fellow with Lockheed Martin, spoke about the steps she took to get to where she is today, while also highlighting projects she has worked on in her career at Lockheed Martin.
“These are things you guys can do,” she told the class. “You guys are the future.”
The promotion of STEM education has been stressed heavily by the California Department of Education in recent years.
“Through STEM education, students learn to become problem solvers, innovators, creators, and collaborators and go on to fill the critical pipeline of engineers, scientists, and innovators so essential to the future of California and the nation,” states the department’s website. “STEM education inspires and prepares all of its students to seize the opportunities of the global society through innovation, inquiry, collaboration, and creative problem solving.”
Cone explained that engaging with students has always been important to her.
“We need to introduce kids at this age to these different types of careers and opportunities,” said Cone. “Things like this can get them thinking about their futures early and fuel their imaginations.”
Creighton echoed similar sentiments.
“They feel like they're little kids, but in reality, they are really close to college and employment,” she said. “Many of these students have never heard of some of these terms and didn’t even know some of these careers were options for them. It's great that some of the speakers don't just talk about their jobs, but also talk about the steps they took and the opportunities that are out there. It can lead them towards gainful employment and a fulfilled life.”
Creighton encourages any local experts interested in presenting at future STEM Career Lunches to contact Turlock Junior High School at (209) 667-0881.
