McConnell hosts STEM rally

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  More than 150 students from Wichita-area high schools visited McConnell Air Force Base as a part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Coalition rally, Nov. 12.

The program was designed to improve awareness about careers that make up the STEM field. The visit allowed students to see how the Air Force integrates STEM fields into various specialties

"The Air Force STEM Outreach Program events offer McConnell's Airmen an opportunity to inspire

young minds toward these careers that are critical as we move forward in a technologically inclined

society," said Amy Jensen, 22nd Force Support Squadron school liaison coordinator.

Students interacted with Airmen from a variety of career fields from around base, from emergency management, to pilots, to contracting officials.

"The whole point is to show them that what they're learning in school right now is relevant to fields they could work in after graduation," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Parks, 22nd Contracting Squadron contract administrator. "At our station, we laid out the terms of a contract and made them build a paper rocket to meet our requirement."

Going to STEM events educate students about the variety of opportunities that are available as they graduate.

"By coming here, students gain insight into Air Force careers they might not have known existed," Jensen said. "They also have a greater understanding of how the primary components of STEM equip Airmen with the knowledge to complete their mission. At the same, the time students are getting inspired to dig deeper into these concepts when they return to school."

Although this is only the second year Team McConnell has hosted the rally, Jensen says the event was a success.

"This was our second year hosting the STEM Rally and our participation continues to increase. I believe

that this event was very successful," Jensen said. "We look forward to hosting future opportunities like

this and inspiring more students to consider STEM careers for many years to come!"