Middle School Students Explore STEM Careers at Penn College

Published 12.05.2014

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Participants in the Williamsport Area Middle School After-School Program are again spending one afternoon each week at Pennsylvania College of Technology, where college employees help them explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

In addition to hands-on career-exploration activities in the college’s high-technology classrooms and labs, the college arranges for participants to visit STEM-focused businesses in the Williamsport area.



Penn College student Brian J. Pernot, who is studying manufacturing engineering technology, shows Williamsport Area Middle School students the workings of automated manufacturing on a Haas computer-numeric-controlled vertical machining center.The after-school program is funded through a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant awarded to the school district. Throughout the week, the middle school offers after-school participants mini-courses, time and help for homework completion, and structured physical activities, as well as snacks and dinner. The elective program is open to up to 80 students.

The middle school visits to Penn College and local businesses are coordinated by the college’s Outreach for K-12 Office.

The three-year partnership for the Middle School After-School Program augments college initiatives in which the district already participates, including Career Days and Penn College NOW dual-enrollment courses.

The grant – provided by the U.S. Department of Education through the Pennsylvania Department of Education – provides $45,000 to fund activities coordinated by the college.

For more information about grant-funding opportunities, faculty and staff may contact the Grants and Contracts Office at ext. 7580 or through its Web portal.

To learn more about resources available to educators through the Outreach for K-12 Office at Penn College, email or call 570-320-8003.

For general information about the college, which is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2014, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.