Education Matters Extreme STEM Tour An initiative of CVCC

Welcome & Introductions Education Matters Initiative History – Extreme STEM Tour How does the STEM Tour work? Student Responsibilities Student Activities Questions

Launched in August 2009 to leverage the power of partnerships with businesses, government, and education… To increase the value of education To help students understand business expectations for the education and training needed to secure employment

Catawba County receives Golden Leaf Foundation Grant for Middle School STEM initiative Grant requires students to learn about STEM careers Education Matters partnership provides connection to business and industry 9 months of “extreme” planning to create EXTREME STEM Tour

Let me show you….

Catawba County EcoComplex Commercial Fabricators

Charlotte Charter Jet Catawba Co. EcoComplex Frye Regional Med. Ctr. Ethan Allen Shurtape Flowers Baking Company 6 Buses/269 Aeronautical Engineering Green Energy Medical Furniture Manufacturing Middle School Business Tours 1 hour at each location Allow 20 minutes driving time to second business. Morning Plan 2 Business Tours Food Manufacturing Research & Development

Afternoon Plan 2 Locations CVCC STEM Education Campus Tour CVCC STEM Education Campus Tour Armory Lunch & Learn STEM Careers in the Military Duke Energy ASU NC Center for Engineering Technologies Armory Lunch & Learn STEM Careers in the Military Duke Energy ASU NC Center for Engineering Technologies CVCC Tour &Armory 1 st location 11:20-12:35 pm 2 nd location 12:50 - 2:05 pm

Tours in work environment Three 15 minute presentations, smaller groups Focus on positions: skills and education needed Rather than how product is made Highlight how math/science is used in industry Students will understand how to prepare while in high school

Met with each business on site to walk them through the expectation and to help them make a plan. Each business created an Outline Proposal with pertinent information

 Be prepared to enter the business and school communities Good Behavior: Quiet & Respectful Closed Toe/Heel & Comfortable Shoes No jewelry (Flowers Baking Company requirement) Communication: Prepare to ask questions Clothing: Long Pants/Coats for weather conditions No Cell Phones  Must stay on time for this to work  Present list of students/staff to businesses to expedite sign in process

Meet with both the businesses and the school administrators and faculty prior to the Tour Align the business locations to high school offerings Be sure tour locations vary in the types of STEM careers

Permission for student photos Lunch plan Identify bus hosts Students with special needs Vary locations and types of careers Communication is Key! Phone messages, website, notes, etc. with details

Pre-Tour Activities Check out business websites Activities During the Tour 3 cool things about each visit Post-Tour Activities Speed Info sharing Thank you notes to businesses

Community businesses showcased their expectations for skills and training for employment Teachers saw the real-world applications of their content Relationships built with CEOs in leading industries STEM Career clusters highlighted, specifically related to high school/college courses

I just want to say a very big "thank you" to everyone who helped put together our field trip!!!! It went very smoothly, and was such an eye opening experience for our students. I have never seen such a well planned grade level outing....you all are amazing! I hope I get to do this again next year. Through an experience like this we are changing the world one child at a time and it inspires all of us. From a teacher:

I learned a lot about engineering today! (I didn’t know what engineering was before today!) I have much to think about with my life after today. The trip made me very tired but it was worth it! The places I went to truly made me want to go back again. I wonder what I’ll do as I grow up. The experience has been amazing!