More than 350 area seventh grade students had the chance to learn about potential career opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields on Friday during a special event at Beaufort County Community College. The annual Youth STEM Career Day was made possible through a partnership between Inner Banks STEM Center, Beaufort County Schools and BCCC.

“This was an idea we started back in 2013 based on our great relationship with Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Community College, to organize an event with some STEM companies and government agencies to showcase this beautiful campus,” IBX STEM Center President Al Powell said. “It gives our kids the opportunity to see what a college campus looks like in their own back yard and meet with scientists and engineers.”

Among the businesses and agencies represented during the event were the BCCC Allied Health Sciences Program, Tideland Electric, Nutrien, Dutch State Mines, the National Aeronautical and Space Administration, Vidant EastCare, the Bunyan Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

From aerospace engineering to the chemistry of mining operations, students had the opportunity to explore various STEM careers and education opportunities available to them right here in Beaufort County.

As to the reason this event is such a good fit for seventh grade students, BCS 6-12 Curriculum Coordinator Ashley Padgett says that this is an age when students are beginning to see themselves in those roles.

“They’re starting to think about real jobs,” Padgett said. “They don’t all think they’re going to be basketball players and models now. They’re really curious about the connections on what they’re learning in math and science and how they can use that later. Coming out here and really seeing that makes sense.”

In addition to the various agencies and organizations represented at the event, students also had a chance to hear from Beaufort County Early College High School Principal Emily Pake about the opportunities available through that program. With students about to enter 8^th grade, now is the time for       them to begin considering the potential to earn college credit during their high school careers.

“You’re eligible for that program as an 8^th grader, so were telling them that if they do well in school, you have the opportunity to come here, delay your graduation for a year, and you’ll graduate with an associate degree and high school diploma,” Powell said.