Mar 17th, 2014
Thursday, March 13 marked a special day at Jackson State Community College as more than 120 participants from 16 area high schools attended the first ever Youth Technology Summit. JSCC hosted this event in hopes of encouraging and inspiring area students in careers of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The summit kicked off at JSCCs McWherter Center at 9am and ran until 2pm. Students were registered in one of three pathways: science and math; computer technology; or engineering and manufacturing technology.
Teachers and counselors identified the students attending this event as excelling in STEM courses. The attendees had an opportunity to hear representatives from area industry discuss potential career opportunities and what they are looking for when selecting people to fill these positions.
But it was much more than just talk. Participants attended demonstrations and labs on such topics as radiography, science, industrial technology and computer technology. Much of the activity took place on the JSCC campus, but, depending on the pathway for which they were registered, students also went to area industry for facility tours and a first-hand look at what a career in their chosen field might look like.
Area businesses participating in this event included Pinnacle Foods, Toyota Bodine, Delta Faucet, Stanley Black & Decker, Jackson Energy Authority, Lifeline Blood Center and UT Ag Center.
This event is one of a number of initiatives in which Jackson State is an integral part that promotes technical education and the promotion of local workforce development. Terri Messer, Dean of Industrial Technology, explains, It is a mission of Jackson State to provide the people of our communities with resources that enable them to have productive and meaningful careers. In turn, our partnerships with local industry ensure that we are providing businesses with the quality and caliber of employees they need to maintain and grow their businesses in West Tennessee.