BBCC STEM program features local engineers and plant tours

The first STEM Summer Institutes at Big Bend Community College will be held in late August for both high school students and college students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

"This is an opportunity to learn from local engineers working at Takata, Katana Summit and Genie Industries." said Rafael Villalobos, Jr. BBCC STEM Support Specialist, Villalobos is developing partnerships between BBCC and local industries that students can use for future interships and employment.

The Summer Institutes are free, and feature a plant tour and demonstration at Genie Industries. Participant's will learn about BBCC's new pre-engineering transfer degree options and STEM careers.

The dates for high school students include Aug. 22 and 23. Current and prospective BBCC STEM students will attend Aug. 29-30.

To demonstrate the types of careers open to STEM students, there will be workshops on product design and implementation, thermo insulation, tower and construct design, and a vehicle skid test.

To register for one of the STEM Summer Institutes, contact Villalobos at 793-2198 or rafaelv@bigbend.edu. There also is a new STEM site on the college's website at http://www.bigbend.edu/stem.