South Georgia State College’s STEM Fest 2017 received the 2018 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). South Georgia State College was featured, along with 77 other recipients, in the September 2018 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected South Georgia State College’s STEM Fest 2017 because of its work in delivering positive STEM experiences that are vital to developing an ongoing positive academic mindset for STEM-related programs. The STEM Fest event brought over 1,000 students to campus for a day full of interactive activities. The program was inspired by the 2017 total solar eclipse and encompassed several areas of space science. Additional STEM focused education days were held later in area schools bringing exciting, grade appropriate STEM activities to both elementary and high school classes as well as the local Boys and Girls Club. Also, SGSC faculty, staff and students prepared and provided STEM science kits for use on STEM Days for K-12 students.
Dr. Robert Page, SGSC’s vice president for academic affairs and student affairs, considered the event a great success. He said, “STEM Fest provided a wonderful opportunity to connect South Georgia State College faculty and staff with teachers and students from numerous elementary schools in our service region to explore and interact with a number of STEM related topics, including the solar eclipse. It provided exposure to these topics in a safe, fun environment that hopefully piqued interest in these students regarding STEM subjects.”
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
For more information about the 2018 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.