FWPS to expand STEM efforts

From staff reports

Preparations are underway for the first annual STEM Exploration Night in Federal Way Public Schools. The event will take place 5-7:30 p.m. on Feb.23, 2017, at the new Federal Way High School (30611 16th Ave. S.), a site beaming with some of the latest in 21st century technology, tools, and resources.

In support of the district’s strategic plan goal 5, “Persistence to Graduation: High School Graduation through Successful Transitions,” this college and career readiness event will extend opportunities for district students and families to be informed, learn, prepare and explore high-demand careers in the community and region — high-wage, high-demand careers in the tech industry that require science, technology, engineering, and math skills.

Students will also be invited to map out pathways to these careers through exploration of apprenticeships, technical schools, and/or two- or four-year colleges, right alongside existing opportunities to build STEM competencies as students in Federal Way Public Schools.

According to Washington STEM, STEM careers have grown three times more than non-STEM careers in the last 10 years. Washington state ranks No. 1 in the country in the concentration of STEM careers, paying nearly double the salaries of non-STEM positions.

This state is also the largest importer of technology degrees to the proportion of the population. The push within Federal Way Public Schools to make its students aware of STEM career opportunities within the region as an investment in the community. If students see a clear path to prepare for STEM careers, they are more likely to graduate from high school ready to pursue those pathways.

FWPS’ STEM Exploration Night will also be a celebration of community in addition to it being an opportunity to connect students and families to local STEM businesses, STEM career-preparation programs and STEM projects happening in district schools.