/West Point cadets drill Mississippi STEM students

West Point cadets drill Mississippi STEM students

Mississippi News Cadets, a non-profit organization from West Point, collaborated with Jackson State University in order to educate the “best and the brightest” students in Mississippi’s Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps programs. Conference activities included writing essays about ethics and introducing students computer coding. Students were especially excited about virtual robotics training. Dequante Holmes, a Jackson senior at Lanier High School, said that robotics was her favorite subject because she loves working with engineering types of stuff. “Learning about robots, how they work, and how they can help in everyday life, that’s what I love [doing] that.” This conference is now in its third consecutive year and focuses its activities and learning sessions on developing high school seniors and juniors in three areas: diversity, ethics, and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). Jackson was chosen by West Point as one of twelve cities for its educational forums. The conference was attended by two hundred fifty students from the state. Gov. Phil Bryant addressed the state’s need to increase the STEM workforce before addressing students. Bryant stated, “We need every science, math and engineering that we can get.” “Some people are naturally drawn to this; I wasn’t, so I ended being governor. He said, “The future is in you hands.” Bryant spoke out about the large military presence in the state, including Camp Shelby, Keesler Air Force Base, and the Pascagoula Navy Station. Tonie, a Callaway High School senior in Jackson, said, “We’re trying for a new age where everything is related around mathematics, engineering, and science.” “Everything is now technical. “Everything is technical now. She said that programming in today’s world is even more important. “You have computers and robotics, as well as cell phones. These devices require someone who can program them. These lessons help people who have aspirations to code later in their lives.” Dr. Shonda Allen, associate Director of JSU’s Center for Computational Chemistry, stated that the event is a pivotal point for STEM competency and building character for top-level STEM leaders in Mississippi. “We are delighted that West Point has again chosen Jackson as one the 12 major U.S. cities for the workshop.” Thirty-five of the 250 students will be invited back at JSU this summer to continue their STEM education.