Show notes: Braska Williams is the NC MSEN Pre-College Program Coordinator at NC State University in Raleigh, NC. MSEN stands for Math Science Education Network, which is a state-wide pre-college STEM program for middle and high school students. Your state or region might have something similar to foster the pursuit of STEM careers among K-12 students.

Myrna is a work-at-home mom. Their two girls have both chosen to pursue STEM studies in college. The oldest, Martia (Tia, for short) is studying Math Education. And the youngest, Breeyonna (AKA Bree) is planning on pursuing an engineering degree in Fall 2020.

During this month’s episode, we discuss your child’s destiny and the role that you can plan in helping guide them through career preparation and selection. This is key for both STEM and non-STEM career exploration.

Exposing children to a variety of experiences from an early age is important. This kind of exploration doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. One of the Williams’ family’s favorite early memories was a trip to a children’s museum in Charleston, SC.

Things to try together include:

• Visit childrens’ museums. Check out this list from Mommy Nearest.
• Get each person in the family a public library card. Most libraries have free STEM-centric programming and reading challenges for children, especially during the summer months.
• Explore free online resources. Websites like Makerspace.com and Instructables have STEM-focused activities for all ages and skill levels (including kid+parent teams).
• Have a regular family night. Play board games. Experiment with new recipes. Get to know each other better.
• Plan a family trip together. Start small and make it a goal to do a trip each year.

Other terms mentioned in this episode:

• Future Cities
• First Robotics Lego(R) League

You might also find help on our resources page. Subscribe and download our free STEM Dreams Parent Guide. Contrary to popular belief, your kids’ STEM Dreams don’t have to be expensive. And oh yeah, STEM stuff is not just for boys.

Interested in setting up a mini STEM center (makerspace) in your home? Download this checklist.

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Show Sponsor:

STEM Dreams podcast is sponsored by Wildlands Engineering, a water resources engineering firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wildlands is dedicated to increasing diversity in engineering and environmental sciences like geology and ecology.

Wildlands, thank you for helping us help the next generation of STEM dreamers.

Credits: Show sound effects and music was sourced from FreeSound.org.