Building the Future Workforce with Ambria Berksteiner
Watch to learn about the state of STEAM education today, how to get you and/or your child involved in STEM education in Savannah and more.
Learn more about Operation One STEM at Time at https://www.facebook.com/operationonestematatime/.
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In today’s rapidly evolving world, preparing the future workforce is more important than ever. One key to this preparation is promoting STEAM education – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – particularly among middle school-aged students. In this blog post, we explore how organizations like The Creative Coast and dedicated individuals like Ambria Berksteiner are working to bridge the gap and inspire the next generation of innovators.
The Critical Role of Middle School Education
One of the key takeaways from this discussion is the importance of targeting students between the ages of 11 and 14, especially in middle school. This is the age when many students might start losing interest in subjects like math and science, often due to societal stereotypes or a lack of encouragement.
To counter this, initiatives like Ambria’s and The Creative Coast focus on implementing STEAM programs not only in early childhood education but also in inner-city middle schools and recreation centers. By capturing students’ interest at this crucial stage, they aim to prevent the false narrative that these subjects aren’t “cool” or are gender-specific.
Addressing Disparities in STEM Scores
The conversation also touched upon disparities in STEM scores among different ethnicities. It’s crucial to understand that these disparities are often linked to disparities in educational opportunities and resources, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. To bridge this gap, it’s essential to ensure that all students have access to quality STEAM education.
How Can You Promote STEAM Education Locally?
If you’re interested in promoting STEAM education in your community, there are several steps you can take:
- Support Local Initiatives: Look for local organizations and initiatives that promote STEAM education and get involved.
- Encourage Early Exposure: Emphasize the importance of early exposure to STEAM subjects and careers to educators, parents, and students.
- Highlight Role Models: Share stories of successful individuals in STEAM fields to inspire students and show them that anyone can pursue a career in these areas.
- Utilize Library Resources: Libraries often provide resources and programs related to STEM. Encourage students to explore these opportunities.
- Consider Certifications: Highlight that there are various STEM certifications and training programs available, providing alternative pathways to STEAM careers.
By taking these steps, you can contribute to building a future workforce that is well-equipped with the skills needed for the ever-changing job landscape.
In conclusion, promoting STEAM education among middle school students is crucial for building a future workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Organizations like The Creative Coast and individuals like Ambria Berksteiner are leading the way by offering early exposure and support for underserved youth, but the responsibility to promote STEAM education lies with all of us. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Meet Ambria Berksteiner: A STEAM Expert and Engineer
One key player in this STEAM education initiative is Ambria Berksteiner. Ambria is an engineer with a dual degree in industrial and systems engineering from Auburn University. She founded “Operation One Step at a Time,” which collaborates with The Creative Coast to provide STEAM workshops for youth. These workshops cover various aspects of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Ambria is not just an educator; she’s an inspiration to young students, showing them that STEAM fields are not limited by gender or background. She has firsthand experience of the impact that exposure to STEAM education can have on a student’s future. Ambria’s journey started when she was a junior at Savannah Arts Academy, participating in the Explorer post program, which exposed her to different careers in the area. This experience changed the trajectory of her life, highlighting the importance of early exposure to potential career paths.
Ambria Berksteiner pictured holding her STEM Ambassador of Savannah award, given to her by former Mayor Eddie DeLoach. Photo Credit: Amber Berksteiner
