Middle-schoolers explore STEM careers at SUNY Adirondack

Annual Let's Go STEM event welcomed students in AAUW-backed event 

QUEENSBURY, New York (May 15, 2024) — The Adirondack Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and SUNY Adirondack's Office of Continuing Education presented Let's Go STEM, a May 14 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program for more than 83 middle school students on the SUNY Adirondack campus.

Let’s Go STEM highlights opportunities for women in STEM fields. Participating students were selected by their school districts.

The day started with a welcome from SUNY Adirondack President Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., and opening remarks from Pam Zuckerman, the college’s Coordinator of Career Advising Connections, and ended with remarks from Kate O’Sick, dean for Student Affairs.

Students then participated in three hands-on workshops presented by female academics and professionals. Introducing students to female role models in STEM can help students see themselves as future STEM professionals and may spark an interest in pursuing a STEM career. 

Let's Go STEM featured workshops in a variety of STEM-related disciplines, and gave students the opportunity to attend an exciting and engaging day of learning, exploration and meeting accomplished women in a collegiate setting. 

According to the National Girls Collaborative Project (https://ngcproject.org/statistics), only 34 percent of the country’s STEM-related jobs are filled by women, with drastically lower proportions in computer, math and engineering sciences, even though women make up nearly half the workforce. Events like Let's Go STEM can make a difference as these young students consider their futures. 

Female academics and professionals from SUNY Adirondack; Finch Paper; Glens Falls City School District; Hudson Falls Central School; LKF Consulting Services; and Weather Routing Inc. presented workshops to students. 

Workshops included “Adventures with Spheros,” “Biology Meets Chemistry — The Beauty of Bees,” “Build a Geodesic Dome,” “Exploring Aquatic Ecosystems,” “Hacked!” “How to Extract DNA,” “Introduction to Nursing,” “Is It Cake?” “Papermaking” and “Weather Routing Across the Atlantic.”

SUNY Adirondack is proud to partner with the Adirondack Branch of the AAUW to offer this important and inspiring event for students in the region.   

About AAUW (American Association of University Women) 
AAUW, a national organization, was founded in 1881 to promote equity for women, education and self-development over the life span, and positive societal change. The Adirondack Branch of AAUW was established in 1920. There are about 63 members with diverse educational and employment backgrounds who work together to fulfill the mission of AAUW through community involvement, educational programs, and scholarships for area students.