Students from the Prairie View A&M University’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Summer Program visited the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District to speak with district subject matter experts in the engineering, biology and regulatory fields, learn more about different avenues of pursuing STEM-related career fields and about the opportunities that exist for recent graduates.
The district signed a partnership agreement with PVAMU last year, recommitting the two organizations to work together to enhance opportunities for minority students throughout the Corps and according to Col. Christopher Sallese, USACE Galveston District commander, this partnership remains instrumental in assisting the district with recruiting a workforce comprised of a diverse pool of high-performing individuals.
“ It is terrific to see these young students being encouraged at an early age to pursue STEM careers ,” said Sallese. “ We are always looking for the next generation of professionals who will bring new and innovative ideas to the Corps and know that in order to accomplish this, we need to begin early on and continue to be a presence throughout high school.”
During this daylong visit, the students met with district staff employed in the STEM fields, interacted with Department of the Army interns and toured one of the district’s 40 survey boats used to collect essential hydrographic survey data to help staff determine dredging cycles of Texas coastal waterways.
“ STEM-related paths are bumpy at best, with potholes that can turn the most promising STEM-geared students and -related professionals awry from pursuing a challenging educational and lifelong adventure in one of the many STEM professions ,” said Martin Regner, a guest speaker during the PVAMU Summer Program event and engineer in the USACE Galveston District Contracting Office . “Professionals in the STEM fields have the ability to engage curious minds as mentors and act as sources for solid encouragement on the many journeys these students may face ahead.”
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Press Release, June 21, 2013