By Kendall Robertson

Experts Meet Youth At STEM Cafe

Sep 28, 2018 | 1:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- The Exploration Place hosted a unique event that brings youth and experts in STEM together. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math and there has been a push in recent years to engage more young people. Kids in grades six through eight were present this afternoon. “Research shows that students at that age, as they’re entering high school, if they don’t have continued STEM enrichment they lose interest,” said Open Science Network director of outreach and education, Wes Wong,”we need more STEM people coming out of high school because so many of our problems require STEM knowledge of some sort.” New developments in technology and science make for a rapidly changing workforce and that’s why organizers say it’s important to get students excited about STEM. “Even if you’re an auto mechanic, you have to know math and how to use the tools,” added Wong, “STEM is not just scientists in a lab coat, it’s people going out in the field collecting samples, it’s people building bridges, even an accountant needs to know math.” A number of experts from different industries were on hand to meet with kids and answer questions. This is the first time the Exploration Place has hosted STEM Cafe and it hopes to include more events in the future.