Schools
UCS ninth grader takes part in national leadership forum
Heritage Junior High/MST ninth grader among a select group participating in a national leadership conference
A Utica Community Schools ninth grader was among a select group of junior high school students participating in a national leadership conference focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Max Davis attended the National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM program this summer at Loyola University in Chicago, Ill.
The program, designed for outstanding middle school students from across the nation, features a unique academic development experience with a mission to inspire scholars to explore career possibilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“STEM fields are the fastest growing areas of study, and STEM professionals are in high demand in the United States and throughout the world,” said Jan A. Sikorsky, Ph.D., the Vice President of Education for NYLF Explore STEM. “These students, who have already proven themselves academically, are challenged to apply math and science skills as they work on real-world, student created projects to bring their studies to life.”
Davis participated in a broad range of interactive simulations, hands-on workshops and educational site visits to discover the work of today’s professionals in fields such as engineering, health care and environmental science. He also learned to develop critical success skills such as time management, conflict resolution, information analysis, collaboration and public speaking.
“One of my favorite parts of the program was getting to hear Dr. Mae Jemison speak about her life and career,” said Davis. “She was the first African American woman to travel in space, and she explained to us that you don’t have to limit yourself to being an expert at just one thing in your lifetime. You can be an expert in many different things. She has studied chemical engineering, African studies, dance and fashion design, and on top of that, she’s a doctor and an astronaut.”
NYLF Explore STEM is part of the Envision family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com), which enable students of all ages to explore their interests and gain learning experiences beyond the classroom. Since 1985, Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in more than 145 countries.
Envision programs are designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape. For more information about NYLF Explore STEM, visit www.envisionexperience.com/STEM.
