UTTC engineering program promotes STEM careers to Native youth

The engineering department at United Tribes Technical College is working with students to promote science, technology, engineering and math to Native youth through hands-on STEM kits, according to KFYR-TV. The effort aims to spark interest in STEM careers by delivering activity kits to schools, with a focus on reservation communities.

Engineering Department Chair Alexa Azure said the goal is to introduce STEM as an accessible and engaging option for young students. “Get kits out in the communities, promote STEM, you know, let kids know that STEM is an option that they can go into and to learn about, and that it’s fun,” Azure told KFYR-TV.

Pre-engineering student Dustin DeLorme said participating in the project was meaningful, especially when delivering kits to the school he once attended. The project was developed through a collaboration between two internship programs and includes activities such as slime-making and craft-based engineering projects.