CAEM alum organizes STEM event for middle schoolers

Science and engineering can be intimidating career prospects for young students, but the earlier they're introduced, the more likely their success. More than 600 Tucson-area middle schoolers recently attended an event at Arizona Stadium to become more acquainted with STEM education. The event, organized by CAEM alum Mike Olson, showed students how STEM disciplines impact their everyday lives. 

“STEM in general can affect their lives and help them to solve problems in their own life, beyond just math, science, and engineering," Olson said in an interview with KGUN. “Science, technology, math, and engineering all work together to really open up a lot of avenues for these kids."

Students had access to four stations during the event, participating in activities such as designing a football game and structural engineering. Olson said the event was critical to opening career paths in STEM industries that need a younger workforce.

"The best way to get that engineering support is to bring bright young minds into engineering," said Olson.