St. John Public Schools focusing on foundation of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

RESERVE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District will host its first Family STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Night at 6 p.m. Thursday in the East St. John High School Gym/Media Center.

The goal of STEM night is to draw attention to and address the growing need to enrich students with a strong STEM-based foundation.

According to the National Math and Science Initiative, STEM-related jobs during the next 10 years will surpass non-STEM-related jobs. Studies have found people working in STEM careers have and can expect to have higher salaries as compared to workers in non-STEM related careers.

The goal of the STEM curriculum is to prepare students to be career ready after finishing high school.

Organizers said the Family STEM night will inform parents and the community of the importance of STEM-related activities in the school setting and how this can lead to greater success in STEM courses.

St. John School District students will serve as hosts, and several local businesses will showcase STEM-related career opportunities within their companies.

Hands-on activities relating to science, technology, engineering and math will be provided.

Alsie Dunbar, of BASF Chemical Company and founder of STEM GEMS, will serve as guest speaker.

The event is free and open to the public.