4 minute read
Meet the Engines Driving K-12 STEAM Pathways
BY SULLY PINOS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & MARLENA SCHUGT, PROGRAM MANAGER | BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
BLOOM Pathways, under the Pathways to Prosperity Workforce Efforts, was created to serve as a comprehensive hub of resources to develop our future workforce. With its mission to engage employers, educators, and community partners in collaborative activities, BLOOM Pathways aims to attract, strengthen, and retain a diverse and skilled workforce.
One sector of workforce efforts is the tech industry, which features jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, or STEAM. YoCo is home to several organizations who host opportunities for STEAM Career Pathways for K-12 students, with programming that encourages students to enter fields such as manufacturing, transportation, engineering, arts, and physical sciences. By working to build the industry’s next generation of leaders, these organizations are empowering our vibrant community and continuing to grow an innovative economy.
B.E.A.S.T. INITIATIVE
LaQuinn Thompson, Founder/CEO
beastpush.com | 717.586.0951
The B.E.A.S.T. Initiative is the growing esports/gaming hub for York, PA. With their focuses on competitive gaming, photography/videography, streaming/content creation, and event organizing/planning, they mentor youth to enhance skills that will mold them into future leaders of the industry.
EDGAR FAHS SMITH STEAM ACADEMY
Heather Myers, Principal
ycs.k12.pa.us | 717.849.1240
This school year, PreK-8th grade students at the academy collaborated with community members and business partners to gain real world experience about STEAM Career Pathways. In teams, students set out to solve challenges by these also designing, building, and testing catapults, parade floats, grabber arms, parachutes, boats, rockets, and more.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Lisa Vaughn, Community Development Manager
jascpa.org | 717.843.8028
Junior Achievement is committed to partnering with schools and community members to serve as a source of inspiration for students, helping them to take an active role in preparing for their futures by exploring careers, developing strong employability skills, and setting goals.
KEYSTONE KIDSPACE
Matthew Davis, Creative in Residence
keystonekidspace.org | 717.900.9915
At Keystone Kidspace, kids can have fun and make a mess while learning about STEAM through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and unique classes. By leveraging our community’s legacy of making, Keystone Kidspace provides real access to experiences, tools and mentors that ignite our kids’ imaginations and prepare them for a successful future.
MARTIN LIBRARY
Mina Edmondson, Library Director
yorklibraries.org/york-martin | 717.846.5300
As part of their recently completed renovation efforts, Martin Library has expanded several free opportunities for teens and children to explore STEAM, such as robots, science experiments, 3D printing, art and even Grab n’ Go Activities. While there be sure to sign up for a library card!
YORK COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR LEARNING
Kevin Appnel, Executive Director
ycal.us | 717.505.0044
YCAL connects educators and employers to engage students in career education and development. YCAL encourages students to explore STEAM centered careers by hosting Career Exploration Programs, Career Readiness Education Workshops, Manufacturing Days, and Pre-Apprenticeships for Building Trades, Electrical Industry, and Manufacturing.
ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER AT YORK COUNTY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
Kirk Schlotzhauer, Director
educationthatpays.com | 717.747.2130
Through the Adult & Continuing Education Center, York Tech provides quality adult career, technical and basic skill’s education, training, and services in a customer focused atmosphere, preparing individuals for the workforce needs.
