OCM BOCES and Micron Introduce Cortland-Area Eighth Graders to STEM Careers

OCM BOCES and Micron Introduce Cortland-Area Eighth Graders to STEM Careers

Cortland-area eighth grade students were recently introduced to careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields through the second of two spring events hosted by Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES and Micron Technology Inc.
 

The event, held April 25, was organized and emceed by Landon Loeber, STEM Outreach and Student Engagement Coordinator for Micron, and Amanda Viel, Ed.D., Director of Instructional Support Services at OCM BOCES, and offered students a full day of fun, hands-on activities and a glimpse into the world of Micron. 

"Through Micron's Careers in a High Tech World Event, our OCM BOCES region eighth graders are now more inspired than ever before to start their journey to a rewarding STEM career in Central New York, or possibly worldwide,” Viel said. “Our OCM BOCES region values and appreciates our partnership with Micron and our local colleges and universities as we work together to engage our youth in the world of STEM learning." 

The day kicked off with an introduction by Loeber and a Zoom panel discussion with Micron employees based in Idaho, Virginia and Georgia through which students learned about several career opportunities within the company—from marketing to engineering.

Following the panel, students bounced between several engaging STEM activities, including a rubber band racer challenge and virtual reality tour of a Cornell University cleanroom. To prepare for the tour, students wore clean room suits, also called “bunny suits,” and had the opportunity to capture the moment in a photo booth. 

Following lunch, there was a second panel discussion from faculty and students from Onondaga Community College and Tompkins Cortland Community College who discussed their roles in the organization, the pros and cons of their jobs, and their unique paths to a STEM career.