Southern University’s STEM Day at P.B.S. Pinchback Hall was a dynamic event designed to expose high school juniors and seniors from across Baton Rouge to the exciting possibilities within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The event offered students hands-on activities, engaging presentations, and the opportunity for on-site college admissions, giving them a closer look at what a career in STEM could offer and how they could pursue it at Southern University.
STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is an interdisciplinary approach that blends these fields to help students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovative skills. It equips them for careers in high-demand industries that drive technological advancement and economic growth. Science explores the natural and physical world, Technology focuses on digital tools and computing, Engineering involves designing and improving systems, and Mathematics provides the foundation for all of these areas. STEM education emphasizes real-world applications, allowing students to learn by doing, preparing them for careers in industries that are shaping the future.
Dr. Francesca Mellion-Williams, the lead organizer of the event, explained that the goal of STEM Day was to inspire students and show them the many opportunities available in these fields. “We want to give these students a firsthand experience of what a career in STEM could be like, and by offering on-site admissions, we’re also helping them take the next step toward higher education right here at Southern,” Dr. Mellion-Williams said. For students who brought their admission documents , they were able to see if they could be accepted to Southern University on the spot, a convenience that many students found encouraging.
One of the standout voices at the event was Tyverli Dyson, a junior mechanical engineering major at Southern University. Dyson shared her perspective on the importance of STEM Day, especially for underrepresented groups in the STEM community. “This event matters to me because it unlocks a whole new world for the youth in Baton Rouge and helps them realize the significance of STEM,” Dyson explained. “It also raises awareness about the need for more representation, especially for Black girls like myself who are often underrepresented in these fields. By sharing these stories, we can encourage the next generation to pursue their dreams in science and engineering.”
The success of STEM Day was evident, as many students left the event inspired and eager to explore further opportunities in STEM fields. Southern University hopes that many of these students will return in the future as part of the Jaguar family, ready to find their own path in the world of STEM and make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers.
