Engaging Youth in STEM Education & Careers
As we continue to showcase companies that do great volunteering work, we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight how DuPont Pioneer engaged youth in STEM!
The DuPont Pioneer Young Professionals (PYP) has always been known for encouraging members to think outside the box. In 2015, when PYP member Amy Gookin wanted PYP to do more with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), she was encouraged to think of ideas.
In 2016, Gookin had a great idea to have a STEM Fair. It was designed to inspire and encourage high school students to pursue a career in an ASTEM-related field (the “A” meaning Agriculture).
On July 22, nearly 50 Des Moines high school students involved in the Iowa State University Science Bound Program were invited to the DuPont Pioneer office in Johnston for an all-day event.
The day’s itinerary included hearing from Wendy Srnic, Research Director, about the importance of STEM education and careers, touring the greenhouse and insectary, eating lunch with Pioneer mentors, visiting with Talent Acquisition team members, and listening to a GMO Safety and Acceptance panel. The day wrapped up with a tour through Global Breeding and Marker Technologies and Transformation and a visit to the Tech Rodeo, featuring interactive stations including robotic programming, software debugging, Raspberry Pi and 3D visualization using Oculus Rift.
“It was really my pleasure to have the opportunity to present new tech to young minds. This was my first time doing this type of thing, and I had no idea what to expect, and I was really overwhelmed by the engagement that I experienced. Awesome program. Count me in every time!” said Jay Parnau, ASTEM Fair Tech Rodeo Presenter.
Thank you DuPont Pioneer volunteers for helping to engage youth in ASTEM, Ag Literacy and Careers! DuPont Pioneer’s volunteering efforts are also going inside the classroom!
Do know a volunteer or group of volunteers? Nominate them to be recognized & help spread the word about volunteering.
