K-12 students explore future science, technology careers at expo

Getting youth excited about biology is no easy feat. It helps to have an automated pig lung and plenty of quirky professors.

On April 19, the College of Southern Nevada and the Clark County School District welcomed thousands of K-12 students to dream about becoming astronauts, biologists, chemists, engineers and much more at the 10th annual Science and Technology Expo.

The expo promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs that help prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers.

CSN and many community partners from the industry and academia embrace this opportunity to spark students’ interest in scientific and technological professions.

This year, more than 2,500 students from the Clark and Lincoln county school districts attended the free educational expo. Community members also were welcomed.

“It is imperative that we get our young Nevadans excited about science, technology, engineering and math and this event promises to get their attention,” said Dr. Michael Spangler, dean of CSN’s School of Advanced and Applied Technologies. “Getting a degree in any of these fields can lead to high-demand, high-paying jobs that are vital to Nevada’s economic future and prosperity.”

The expo is just one of many ways the college is involved in promoting STEM education.

Last year, CSN received national recognition for graduating the most students with two-year science technology related degrees in the nation.

In addition, more Latinos and more women are graduating with two-year degrees in science technologies (Associate of Science degree) at CSN than at any other community college in the nation, according to reports from Excelencia in Education and Community College Weekly’s Top 100 Degree Producers of 2012.