WMAAC holds 1st STEM Academy

WMAAC holds 1st STEM Academy

Maddux Elementary hosts special program

WMAAC Journalist On Saturday, Dec. 3, West Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter (WMAAC) hosted its first-ever STEM Academy, at Maddux Elementary. The program encouraged students to seek opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The main target audience was girls in grades 4-9, a focus chosen due to gender disparity in STEM career fields — however boys were not excluded.

Participants traveled from near and far to for this one day event. The young learners were introduced to courses and given an opportunity to experience an applied approach with hands-on, open ended exploration.

Guest speakers for the morning sessions were Professors Dr. Anissa Buckner and Dr. Karl Walker, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. They discussed, “What is STEM” and introduced the participants to the STEM Scholars program at the university. Dr.

Susan Ward-Jones, CEO, East Arkansas Family Health Center informed the students about career paths in Science and Medicine.

Dr. Ward-Jones said she chose this path simply because she loves to help people.

Reginald Murdock, a Mechanical Engineer, spoke to children about engineering as a career path and the associated legislation. Mr.

Murdock encouraged children to make sure that whatever path they choose, it's something that they enjoy doing. He let them know that it's not always about the money, but rather the passion behind your purpose.

Following him, Danielle Jones, technology professional from FedEx, talked to the children about coding. Learning the fundamentals of coding gives students skills that will serve them well in almost any career they choose.

Students were eager to learn how to code and were also interested in learning how to make computers do fun stuff. Mary Craft, math coach, talked about having fun with numbers.

During the breakout sessions, the students had a chance to solve math problems and build boats using aluminum foil, straws, popsicle sticks, in the am engineering class. Kay Cooper, Society of Women Engineers, taught a group of girls how to build a gadget that would pick up objects for transport.

There were over 140 students registered for this event. Students were from schools throughout Crittenden County, AR and the surrounding areas. There were many volunteers from Maddux Elementary. Each child received breakfast and lunch. Many received door prizes for their participation.

The first 50 registered students received a free Tshirt. West Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter is excited about the possibilities that these students have as a result of this opportunity to explore the STEM fields.

It has been said that “Occupations in STEM-related careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century, and they often have the greatest potential for job growth.” WMAAC wanted to ensure the children had an opportunity to receive the information in their own community.

The event was considered to be a great successful.

By Tawana Baily-Butler