Davin Workforce Solutions is comprised of developers, techies, and artists, who wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for S.T.E.A.M. programs.

What is S.T.E.A.M.? 

S.T.E.A.M. is an educational framework that focuses on teaching students critical thinking skills and the use of engineering and technology to solve real-world problems.  The acronym stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics.”  Originally just S.T.E.M., the arts were added to encourage design principals and creative solutions¹.

What is National S.T.E.A.M. Day? 

November 8^th is nationally recognized as a day to encourage youth to proudly proclaim their passions for all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math².  

The S.T.E.A.M. field is one of the fastest growing job markets.  With students, especially female and minority students, historically discouraged against pursuing S.T.E.A.M. programs³, S.T.E.A.M. Day is a push to change that mindset.   

How should we celebrate S.T.E.A.M. Day?

S.T.E.A.M. Day can be observed either personally or with other people.  If you haven’t already, opening yourself to the S.T.E.A.M. field is a significant first step.  If you can share that interest with a younger relative, you’re leveling up your celebrating.

Here are some more specific ways to celebrate:

• Take part in a S.T.E.A.M. activity – This could be as simple as going to a science museum or as grand as trying to build a robot.
• Volunteer your time or Donate to a local S.T.E.A.M. program – Many schools and community centers have S.T.E.A.M. programs, and if not, they may be open to starting some.
• Make a Resolution to Learn – Enroll in an online or in-person course within the S.T.E.A.M. field.  There are even many free and informal courses.

And if you work in a S.T.E.A.M. field, talk about your experiences.  Share what you love about the job and what educational programs you took to get to where you are.

As I said above, we at Davin are developers, techies, and artists.  We work within the realm of S.T.E.A.M. every day.  To celebrate S.T.E.A.M. Day, I’ll tell you a little bit about myself.

My name is Frank, and I’m the Web Design Specialist for Davin Workforce Solutions.  With the help of my fellow Davin teammates, I created the website you’re on right now.  Website design combines my artistic skills, problem solving skills, and my coding skills.  I learned these skills through my coursework to earn my Associate of Fine Arts Degree and my Bachelor of Arts Degree.

If I had any advice for students that are interested in a S.T.E.A.M. field, it would be that you don’t have to go to an expensive university to earn your degrees.  I received my Associate’s degree from a community college and my Bachelor’s degree from a state school.  Both schools had incredible programs.  College can be expensive, but that shouldn’t be a barrier.  Don’t ever be dissuaded from learning. 

References

1. STEAM fields. (2018, September 20). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STEAM_fields

2. Schonberg, A. (2017, November 08). National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Day. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/national-stemsteam-day_us_5a0258dee4b0230facb8412e

3. C. (2010, March 23). Survey: U.S. Women and Minority Scientists Often Discouraged from Pursuing STEM Careers. Retrieved from https://diverseeducation.com/article/13644/