May 3, 2018
By: Beverley Nash
When a teacher at DeKalb County High School contacted the College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech University to ask if they could contribute door prizes for a STEM focus day at the high school, it was an easy answer for Tech.
“We are always happy to help our area schools encourage students to learn more about engineering and the sciences,” said Harry Ingle, director of the Clay N. Hixson Student Success Center at Tech. “It is important to start with our youth now to cultivate bright, innovative minds for the future.”
Ingle helped Amy Fricks, a math teacher at DCHS and alumna of the College of Engineering at Tech, pick out draw string bags for each participating student. They also gave back packs and t-shirts for door prizes, and put together small gift bags as a token of thanks for the teachers who are involved in planning and facilitating the event.
“It is so important to expose young students to STEM disciplines early,” said Fricks. “There is not a lot of opportunity in this area outside of the schools for STEM learning. Manufacturing is a big provider of jobs in Dekalb County, so it is important for our students to start gaining the necessary skills to take on leadership roles in manufacturing-related STEM professions. Another goal of this event is to introduce elementary and middle school students to the career and technical education (CTE) programs offered at the high school. We want them to start thinking about their career options now, so that they are prepared to be as successful as possible when they enter our CTE programs.”
“DCHS is excited to partner with Tennessee Tech to offer such an exciting event,” said DCHS Principal Randy Jennings. “This is an opportunity for the students of DeKalb Co. to be introduced to STEM disciplines, while at the same time having fun with hands on activities. I would especially like to thank Ms. Fricks for her hard work in organizing this event.”
The College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in engineering technology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. In addition, it offers bachelor degrees in basic science and engineering (BSE) jointly with East Tennessee State University. At the graduate level, Tech offers both master’s degrees and a doctorate in engineering. Founded in 1915, Tech offers more than 40 bachelor and 20 graduate programs to almost 11,000 students on its 252-acre central campus in Cookeville, Tennessee.