FAMU Hosts STEM Week: A Strategic Initiative to Build the Next Generation of Innovation and Workforce Leaders
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) will host its annual STEM Week from March 31 to April 4, marking a coordinated institutional effort to strengthen student pathways into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This week-long series of events serves as a cornerstone of FAMU’s mission to reinforce its role as a regional leader in STEM access and workforce development.
STEM Week has a range of educational and interactive activities planned for both university and local K-12 students to enjoy. The events include hands-on workshops, presentations of research by professors, fun demonstrations, and talks by professionals from the industry. A big part of the week is our outreach program. FAMU representatives will visit neighboring Tallahassee schools to talk to students of all ages and get them excited about future careers in science and technology.
Joy Jefferson-Yager, Ph.D. is spearheading the initiative as FAMU’s new director of STEM Outreach. She has joined the university to help lead the way in getting the community more involved and helping students move smoothly from their classes into professional science and technology jobs.
"STEM Week is more than just a series of events; it is a strategic bridge between potential and opportunity," said Jefferson-Yager."By opening our labs and sharing our expertise with the community, we are ensuring that students from all backgrounds see themselves as the future engineers, researchers, and innovators who will solve tomorrow's greatest challenges."
The university is focusing on these subjects to help meet the world’s growing need for highly skilled workers. By fostering community connections and providing student ambassadors with leadership roles during the week, FAMU is cultivating a robust ecosystem for academic success.
Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., associate provost for student success and strategic initiatives, explained that this week is important because it helps ensure that what students learn at FAMU matches the skills needed for jobs in the region.
"At FAMU, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable pipeline that moves students from curiosity to career," he said. "STEM Week allows us to showcase our world-class research while simultaneously building the workforce development pathways that are essential for our region’s growth and the success of our graduates."
Students also play a pivotal role in the week's success, serving as mentors for visiting K-12 students and demonstrating the tangible results of a FAMU education.
"Seeing the excitement in the eyes of younger students when they participate in a live demonstration is incredibly rewarding," said Channing Wyatt, a FAMU student ambassador. "It reminds us that our work in the lab today has a direct impact on the community and the generations coming up behind us."
FAMU continues to prove it is a top school for science and technology. The university
makes sure its students are ready for future careers and leadership roles in their
fields.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
