MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) welcomed over 700 seventh graders from several local schools, including Warren, Belpre, Caldwell, Frontier, St. Mary’s Catholic, Waterford, Fort Frye, Shenandoah, and Marietta for YES (Young Engineers and Scientists) Days.
The two-day event, hosted on Washington State’s campus, engages middle school students in STEM through immersive, hands-on experiences that demonstrate how local businesses integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into their routines.
Nearly 30 presenters from throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley demonstrated how STEM applies to their careers. The presenters included Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District, The Ohio Department of Transportation, The Army National Guard, Roberts Funeral Home, Washington County Health Department, Power System Engineering, ClearView Management, Syensqo, Marietta College, The Washington County Career Center Adult Technical Training, The Washington County Career Center High School, Kraton, Trio Upward Bound, Terra Sonic International, Micro Machine Works, Trio Educational Talent Search, Ohio State University Extension, Discovery World on Market, Hi-Vac Corporation, IACMI The Composites Institute, WTAP, The Grit Project, The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition, Allnex, Building Bridges to Careers, Washington State College of Ohio, GT Environmental, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The event’s sponsors included Giant Eagle, Allnex, Kroger, McHappy’s Bake Shoppe, Par Mar Stores, Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition, Kraton, Syensqo, Tim Hortons, Washington State College of Ohio, and Building Bridges to Careers.
Jenna Stewart, Career Pathway Specialist at Building Bridges to Careers, is enthusiastic about the impact YES Days can have on students. “YES Days is a great way to remind students that learning can be fun. It’s a day full of hands-on activities and career exploration opportunities,” Stewart shares. Stewart also expressed her gratitude for the many businesses that recognize the importance of engaging with students and making the time to participate, “I am incredibly appreciative for all of the businesses that were able to be here today because they are making a major impact on the next generation of leaders in STEM.”
