WASHINGTON, March 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STEMconnector will launch the STEM Career Accelerator Day (#STEMCAD14) program in partnership with Arizona State University, Honeywell, NASA, PepsiCo, Tata Consultancy Services, Teach For America, and Spark 101. STEMCAD14 aims to excite high school students about STEM career opportunities through an experiential field trip to a STEM facility. The goal of the pilot program is to engage 500 students directly, and an additional 5,000 virtually to inspire commitment to STEM careers and majors.
"PepsiCo is committed to promoting STEM education. Each of the STEM disciplines represents a crucial component of our future, both for our company and our country. STEM Career Accelerator Day will help us nurture talent sustainability and fill the jobs of tomorrow," said Heidi Kleinbach-Sauter, senior vice president, Research and Development, PepsiCo Americas Foods.
In addition to inspiring students, STEMCAD14 also encourages parents and teachers to participate. Students will take part in hands-on activities that connect coursework to careers, interaction with STEM professionals, and tours of the hosting sites.
"Getting kids into our facilities to experience what it's like to be a STEM professional is the essence of STEMCAD14. Congratulations to everyone participating in the pilot this year!" said Edie Fraser, CEO of STEMconnector.
STEMCAD14 will take place in three different formats in 2014, including: employment sites, virtual experiences, and festival-style events. All three formats afford a unique opportunity for students to experience a STEM career.
"We've joined this national movement that encourages STEM discovery to show high-school students and their parents how exciting a degree or career in STEM can be," said Mitzi Montoya, ASU's Vice-President and University Dean of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. "We hope that by opening up our labs and makerspaces on the Polytechnic campus and ASU Chandler Innovation Center we can show students, educators and parents how degrees in STEM can help launch big ideas and spark innovation."
"Computer science and technology have the power to transform businesses and unlock amazing career opportunities for our country's youth. Innovative cross-sector efforts such as the STEM Career Accelerator Day are critical to inspire students, and inform parents and educators about the rewarding potential of a STEM career," said Balaji Ganapathy, Head of Workforce Effectiveness of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
For more information about participating in STEMCAD14 or the STEM Innovation Task force, contact Tim.Edwards@stemconnector.org.