You’ve likely heard the term STEM, but what exactly does it mean?
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – These four fields share a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and together, they form the backbone of a fast-growing and dynamic industry that’s creatively transforming how our world is envisioned, designed, and experienced.
STEM encompasses a wide array of disciplines, from life sciences and physical sciences to engineering and mathematics. It also includes fields such as biology, engineering, information technology, and data science – each contributing to the tapestry of knowledge that drives progress.
As society innovates and technology advances, the demand for professionals who understand these fields and can propose practical solutions continues to grow.
According to industry forecasts, STEM jobs are not only in high demand but are also projected to remain so for years to come. That is why WGI is proud to have established our STEM Outreach Program, to encourage students to explore these subjects and to “Inspire young minds through ongoing outreach and sparking their curiosity for STEM.”
STEM education equips students with the skills necessary to tackle complex global and social challenges. It enables them to engage in authentic, real-world applications, preparing them for future careers.
As noted by Elizabeth De Leon, Graduate Engineer: “I want to promote K-12 students’ curiosity in engineering and foster a passion for a career in STEM.”
In addition to fostering curiosity, STEM education helps cultivate the next generation of academics, researchers, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. By inspiring young minds, we can pave the way for much-needed technological advancements.
Our outreach efforts span a wide array of activities, such as elementary career days, university class demonstrations, career expos, and everything in between.
Judith Mancilla, Graduate Engineer, shares her passion for STEM outreach in stating: “I want to give back to the community that raised me through the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained through my career, as well as act as a role model and mentor for young aspiring engineers— inspiring new generations of young Hispanic women to pursue Civil and Environmental Engineering careers while fostering the notion that ‘If you believe it, you can achieve it!’”
Through these engagements, we strive to share our passion for engineering and instill a sense of purpose in students throughout San Antonio and across the nation.
Christopher Velasquez, Senior Graduate Engineer, expresses this sentiment perfectly in stating: “I am committed to STEM outreach because inspiring the next generation of engineers is key to shaping a future of innovation and progress…. Plus, who else is going to look back at my work and fix it down the line!”
But WGI’s STEM Outreach Program is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about building a community of future innovators.
Ravali Kosaraju, Director of Mobility, emphasizes the importance of career paths in transportation in stating: “I want to encourage K-12 students to choose transportation as a career and build a pipeline of transportation STEM professionals.”
As we look ahead, we are truly excited to continue to expand our outreach efforts.
With more STEM initiatives on the horizon, we cannot wait to carry this momentum into 2025 and beyond, sharing our passion for engineering and inspiring the next great generation of STEM professionals.
Stay tuned for updates on how we continue to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM – And together, let’s inspire young minds to envision, design, and experience a world filled with possibilities!
At WGI, we believe that through education and outreach, we can transform the future – one inspired mind at a time!
If you’re interested in learning more about WGI’s STEM Outreach program or are looking to get involved, contact our team today.
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