Human Innovation Day: A Journey into STEM Career Opportunities for High School Students

Salt Lake City School District Hosts Human Innovation Day for High School Students

Around 50 high school students from the Salt Lake City School District participated in Human Innovation Day, a unique event designed to give them a closer look at potential STEM careers. The event was hosted by the district, the Salt Lake Education Foundation, and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s Tech Lake City initiative. The goal of the day was to introduce students to the state’s growing life science industry and provide them with valuable insights into STEM fields.

The day began with a tour of ARUP laboratories, which offers reference laboratory testing for hospitals and health centers. This was followed by a visit to Recursion’s biotechnology facility at the Gateway. These tours provided students with an opportunity to see firsthand how science is being used in real-world applications.

After the tours, students engaged in discussions with professional scientists and university students studying various STEM fields. These discussions helped inspire students by showing them different paths they could take in the world of science. Brian Pantle, a project manager at the department of economic development for Salt Lake City, emphasized the importance of students seeing faces like theirs in the industry. He wanted to give them a vision of what they could achieve in the future.

Mayor Mendenhall expressed her desire to grow the tech industry in Salt Lake City not just for economic reasons but also to provide students with fulfilling career opportunities. She encouraged students to think creatively and consider pursuing careers in STEM fields. The event targeted freshmen and sophomores specifically, as these are crucial years when students begin planning for their futures and exploring new ideas that could contribute to the scientific community.

Overall, Human Innovation Day was an inspiring event that gave high school students a glimpse into what they could achieve in STEM fields. Through tours, discussions, and presentations, these students were able to see firsthand how science is being used in real-world applications and how it can lead to fulfilling careers that make a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, events like this are essential for shaping young minds towards STEM fields as they provide hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and innovation among young learners. By hosting such events, schools can help prepare their graduates for successful careers ahead while also encouraging them to make positive contributions towards society’s progression through technology advancements.