Columbia State Community College recently hosted its STEM Within Reach event, which encouraged local middle schoolers’ curiosity for science, technology, engineering and math careers.

The event focused on providing attendees with a look at the various paths of study and career opportunities available in STEM fields as they begin to think about their futures.

Janelle Williams, a Columbia State alumna and current production engineering site lead for Boeing, was the keynote speaker who spoke to the middle schoolers before the day’s events kicked off.

Williams began working for Boeing in 2017 to help NASA engineer space rocket launching technology.

Just as a career in a STEM field changed her life, she returned to Columbia State to help inspire students to pursue their interests—wherever it may take them.

“To be asked to be the keynote speaker this year was definitely a highlight, and I’m so glad I was able to share my experiences with the students and how those experiences shaped my future, most especially that I started my journey at Columbia State,” Williams said. “To quote Buzz Lightyear, ‘To Infinity and Beyond!’ You are only limited by your own creativity and imagination. Use your imagination to turn that creativity into passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life. The sky is no longer the limit; reach for the stars. I think STEM Within Reach is the first step to our children finding that creativity that will spark their passion to reach higher.”

In her closing thoughts to the students, Williams encouraged them to be curious and open-minded in their interests, as they will be the next generation to guide and pioneer the future of STEM fields.

“If you’re interested in a career in STEM fields, remember that it’s not just about numbers and equations, it’s about creativity, problem-solving and making a difference in the world,” Williams said. “So, as you explore your interests today, don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things and most importantly, do what you love. The world needs your talent and unique perspectives. You have the power to shape the future of STEM.”

The one-day event was open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders and offered interactive, hands-on activities as well as encouraged early student success in STEM, provided awareness of STEM careers available in Tennessee and promoted the scientific and technological understanding of such fields.

“Having been part of this event since its very first year in 2012, I've seen it evolve through both challenges and triumphs,” said Andrew Wright, Columbia State assistant vice president of faculty, curriculum and programs. “Every time I watch middle-school students light up as they discover something new about STEM, I'm reminded why we do this. Their excitement and growth rejuvenate me year after year.”

The workshops at STEM Within Reach were designed to teach middle school students about the different opportunities in STEM-related careers as they begin to think about their futures. 

Stations were set up around campus for the students to observe and participate while Columbia State faculty and guest presenters guided them through an interactive, hands-on experience. 

Stations featured at the event included:

• Cow eyeball dissection
• Coding and playing a computer game
• Constructing a self-sustaining ecosystem in a container
• Creating chlorophyll fluorescence using plants
• Using forensic anthropology to assemble skeletons
• Studying how infectious diseases spread
• Virtual reality gameplay and experience
• Interacting with live animals
• Creating clouds in controlled chambers
• Operating remote-controlled robots
• Creating usable 3D-printed pumpkin launchers

“It was a fun and inspiring day. At the end of the event, Wright asked the attending students what they had taken away from the day's activities — and well over half the hands in the auditorium shot up,” said Dr. Ryan Badeau, Columbia State educational services coordinator for the Williamson Campus, associate professor of physics and co-chair for the STEM Within Reach event. “The success of the event is a testament to the effort and passion of Columbia State's faculty, staff and even some of our college students who shared their love of science, technology and math.”

STEM Within Reach is made possible through the volunteer effort of Columbia State’s faculty and staff, the donations of community partners like Tennessee Valley Authority, and volunteer community presenters like TechNova Robotics Coach Lisa Tondino and Columbia Fire & Rescue.

“Promoting STEM through robotics outreach is a huge part of what our team loves to do,” said Tondino. “We want younger students to see that engineering can be exciting, creative, and fun — even in middle and high school. Through FIRST Robotics, TechNova gives students an incredible opportunity to build skills in programming, design, CAD, mechanics, problem-solving and teamwork. We were honored to serve our community and had an amazing time sharing our passion for robotics.”

STEM Within Reach was sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Columbia Power and Water Systems, Dickson Electric System, Duck River Electric Membership Corp, Lawrenceburg Utility System, Lewisburg Electric System, Meriwether Lewis Electric Co-op, Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Co-op, Mount Pleasant Power System, Nashville Electric Service, Pulaski Electric System – Energize and Tennessee Valley Electric Co-op.