Students, parents, and educators are invited to learn about the world of post secondary opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and math at the Houston STEM College and Career Fair, held on Sunday, September 25 at the University of Houston – Student Center South from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), is free and open to the public.
According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, economic projections point to a need for approximately 1 million more STEM professionals than the US will produce at the current rate over the next decade if the country is to retain its historical preeminence in science and technology.
Through NACAC’s STEM College and Fairs, NACAC looks forward to facilitating connections to STEM opportunities between colleges, students, and industry. Three cities - Houston, New York, and San Francisco - were selected for the pilot STEM College and Career Fairs this fall to augment NACAC’s annual 22 Performing and Visual Arts Fairs and 62 National College Fairs. Unlike traditional college fairs and expos, this event offers students an intimate and focused setting to go beyond the general college planning conversation and have in-depth conversations about STEM majors, career options, undergraduate research, summer opportunities, internships, scholarship programs, and more through one-on-one conversations and workshops.
“This new program will align students in the college access/search pipeline with practicing STEM professionals,” said Greg Ferguson, executive director of National College Fairs. “The blend of educational programming and real-world experience offered by business leaders will provide students interested in STEM fields with the best of both worlds at a time when the country struggling to keep pace in these vital fields.”
Schools, community-based organizations, and other groups that support college matriculation in the STEM fields are encouraged to promote the fair to their students. Students are encouraged to register online for the fair. Educators are invited to attend to learn more about STEM opportunities and college admission process.