FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Pictures Included
Friday, October 1, 2019
-(EON: Enhanced Online News)– Gain:
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ holds Annual
STEM@Work Kick – Off Event hosted by Lee Health Coconut Point
Collaborating with Lee Health to give students hands- on STEM experience
Fort Myers, FL (October 1, 2019)- On September 25th and 26th The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools held the annual STEM@Work Kick Off event hosted by Lee Health, Coconut Point. The STEM@Work program is a collaborative partnership between The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools and the Career & Technical Education Department of the Lee County School District. Over 400 select students from The School District of Lee County participated in this event. Students took part in hands on activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Career Planning and Business Marketing.
“When I came to Lee Health, I thought we were going to learn all about doctors and nurses, to my surprise, there are many more opportunities available within Lee Health.” “I am looking forward to the rest of the school year when we visit more businesses and learn about more job opportunities in the area”, said a student from Riverdale High School.
The STEM@Work Kick- Off event was the first stop on an educational journey these students will embark on throughout the school year. The students were immersed in many different aspects and hands on learning experience of STEM including, touring the Central Energy Plant, learning culinary science from a registered Dietician, being educated on the practices and equipment used during surgical, blood, imaging and lab procedures, and even got the chance to see the EMS helicopter land.
“The opportunities offered by our Kick-Off partner, Lee Health and all of the business partners throughout the program to our students is priceless,” says Marshall Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “This type of student/business engagement is helping our students understand and appreciate STEM education and career opportunities.”
The STEM@Work program aims to introduce high school students to STEM-based learning and career opportunities. This year over 22 businesses are partnering with the STEM@Work program including, Lee Health, Chico’s FAS, SWFL Public Service Academy, FGCU, ECHO, and B&I Contractors. During each trip, students learn hands on how STEM is related to every career. They are also exposed to careers within Lee County that they may not know about. A huge thank you to Lee Health Coconut Point and their wonderful staff for executing a wonderful Kick-Off!
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools: The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. The Foundation is rated as a 4-star nonprofit organization by Guide Star. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Twitter @FoundationLCPS, and on Facebook.
Contact:
Brittany Carroll
Director of Marketing & Development
Brittany@LeeSchoolFoundation.org