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ects to show students the scope of STEM. Alyson Davis, university relations specialist and STEM manager at LORD, says students often don’t understand that broad career choices such as engineering offer multiple opportunities and career paths.
“You have to be able to articulate ideas, to influence customers in a way they can understand. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter how smart you are.” — Doug Lorenz The U.S. Department of Labor cites 100 different STEM occupations in various fields, and 70 percent of the fastest-growing occupations overall are in STEM, from biomedical engineer and network systems analyst to economist and skin care specialist. Beyond technical knowledge, STEM companies look for those able to work in cross-functional environments, solve problems creatively, and demonstrate strong communication skills, something Vernon Malone College & Career Academy Spanish teacher Clay Hergert promotes by requiring his students to prepare classroom presentations. “You have to be able to articulate ideas, to influence customers in a way they can understand,” said Lorenz. “Otherwise, it doesn’t matter how smart you are.” Keeping it real
Steve Parrott, president of WakeEd, says as Wake County Public Schools continues to execute its Vision 2020 plan to prepare students to reach their full potential in a complex world, “The emphasis on engaged teaching and learning contributes to students’ preparation in workplace skills, continued on page 31
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TOP: Dozens of teachers took part in this year’s Summer STEM program, experiencing hands-on learning that will help them bring real-world, project-based learning to their students. Local companies taking part say the benefit is two-fold: As markets change and companies work toward future success, “We need the right people to help us do that,” says Doug Lorenz, a LORD Corporation executive. “”That’s why these partnerships are so powerful.” BOTTOM: LORD employees Clark and Irvin explain the company’s In-flight Propeller Balancing System, originally designed for concrete factory ventilation fans but now used in aircraft, which increases engine life and reduces operating costs for LORD customers. For teachers like Mary Grace Guthrie Kilder and Laura Dowd of Mills Park Middle School, near left, sharing such applications for STEM learning is a boost for students.