How Bloomsburg University Encourages Young People to Seek Careers in STEM

Bloomsburg University and other schools in the PASSHE system recognize the demand for college graduates in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). At Bloomsburg, there are several programs dedicated to boosting enrollment in STEM-related majors. These programs work to reach out to both prospective students in the K-12 system as well as incoming and current Bloomsburg students.

Early Education Students Work with Kids at STEM Adventure Camp

In late May 2022, over 1,200 students from local school districts visited Bloomsburg University’s campus to attend the school’s annual STEM Adventure Camp. Held over nine days, this camp was designed to boost enthusiasm for STEM among local K-12 students.

Fourth- to sixth-grade students from the nearby Warrior Run School District participated in a wide range of fun science experiments, from blowing bubbles to making ice cream to building model roller coasters from straws.

This camp served two primary purposes: getting the area’s children interested in STEM and possible future careers in this field and allowing current early education majors at Bloomsburg to get some experience teaching students before they graduate and find positions as full-time teachers.

Bloomsburg plans to continue holding this event every year, as the university recognizes the importance of introducing young people to STEM at an early age.

Science in Motion

Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Science in Motion program is a grant collaboration program between Bloomsburg University and several other private and public Pennsylvania universities.

This program is dedicated to providing regional middle and high schools with STEM instruction resources, advanced science equipment, and instruction for improved STEM learning — all free of charge.

Bloomsburg University is one of 10 Pennsylvania colleges and universities currently participating in Science in Motion, which was founded at Juniata College in 1987. The Bloomsburg branch of the program serves students at schools in the following counties:

• Clinton
• Columbia
• Lycoming
• Montour
• Northumberland
• Schuylkill
• Snyder
• Union

STEM and Education Magnet Program

Bloomsburg University allows advanced high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits through the university’s STEM and Education Magnet Program.

Qualifying students can earn up to 30 college credits to apply to a major at any college or university they choose. In addition, those who complete the program will automatically be accepted to Bloomsburg University.

The STEM and Education Magnet Program costs between $700 and $930 per semester, plus the cost of books. However, the university also offers scholarships to STEM Magnet applicants.

During summertime and other breaks, students have the opportunity to participate in various programs, attend speeches by STEM speakers, and visit local businesses for interactive tours that allow them to get some hands-on experience in various STEM fields.

STEM Regional Education Center

Many of Bloomsburg University’s STEM programs are hosted at the STEM Regional Education Center. This center was established to address the growing demand for STEM graduates through programming like:

• STEM pipeline development (encouraging K-12 students to pursue studies and careers in STEM)
• Programs that foster professional development for teachers in local school districts
• Innovative research in STEM education
• College programs with pedagogies that effectively prepare students to succeed in STEM fields

The STEM Education Center also strives to reach the following goals:

• Build a regional STEM Magnet school — Bloomsburg wants to develop a regional STEM Magnet school that can be an inspiration to other universities looking to prepare high school students for success in STEM fields.
• Provide STEM programming for K-12 students — Bloomsburg’s K-12 programs help youth build STEM interest and critical thinking skills, both of which are necessary to succeed in STEM fields.
• Work with regional school districts — Bloomsburg’s STEM programs help local teachers develop their professional skills in STEM disciplines.
• Create a new generation of STEM leaders — Through these programs, Bloomsburg strives to create STEM education leaders who can garner external support for research and programs that improve STEM education at both the college and K-12 levels.

GI-STEM — Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

While more women are working in STEM than ever before, these fields are still dominated by men. According to the US Census Bureau, women represented just 8 percent of STEM workers in 1970. Today, they represent approximately 28 percent, despite accounting for nearly half of the US workforce. While this is an improvement, women remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce.

Bloomsburg University recognizes the importance of addressing this gender disparity, which is why it holds an annual program dedicated to fostering interest in STEM among female students from local K-12 schools. The Girls in Science event is held at the McCormick Center each spring and is available to girls in second through sixth grade.

The most recent GI-STEM program was held on April 2, 2022. Highlights of this year’s programming included:

• Hands-on STEM stations set up by students from Bloomsburg’s College of Educatio
• Science in Motion
• “Up, Up and Away” by Mad Science of Lehigh Valley (an interactive event that teaches children about air pressure and flight)