So “E&”…what exactly is it?
The Beaver County Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (E&) is a collaborative effort to connect the dots between education and business. The program began in April 2013 as the Beaver County Energy Day but was changed in 2014 to the Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. In 2013 former President of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, Erica Loftus, came up with this event to bring together students, their parents, and businesses from around the community. This collaboration over the past four years has benefited not only the local school districts, their students, and teachers, but also the business community and local industries. Twice a year, E& hosts educational events for students and parents to learn more about careers in energy and advanced manufacturing.
What was your last event like?
Our most recent semi-annual event took place this past spring at the Community College of Beaver County Dome. Over 200 parents and students were in attendance. It was a great crowd, and a lot of fun! Once inside the Dome, the students had a chance to explore what the 35 exhibitors had to offer and speak with representatives from companies like Peoples. Students were able to ask each exhibitor about what their careers entail and see hands-on demonstrations.
What sort of hands-on or interactive experiences were available?
The American Welding Society brought in a welding simulator that allowed students to feel as if they were really welding from behind a mask. Students also had the chance to destroy objects inside the Bots IQ mobile arena, thanks to Bots IQ and Central Valley High School. Throughout the evening, students and their parents also wandered outside and explored the “Meet U Trailer” — an interactive mobile energy training unit. The event also included an interactive panelist discussion, with a very diverse group of professionals. The final special guest of the evening was Tyraine Ragsdale, aka “Grand Hank,” Master Scientist and Television Personality. Since founding “Grand Hank” Productions, Inc., Grand Hank has made a profound impact on STEM education. He brought an interesting, interactive and musical twist to the event that got the students involved on the stage. Overall the exhibitors, panelists, and special guest gave students and parents an educational evening that opened their eyes to possible careers in STEM, energy, and manufacturing. By educating students about these opportunities while they are still in school, we hope they can take the right steps to become successful in these fields.
What should students or parents do to get involved?
Keep an eye out for our Fall E& event that will be held back at the Community College of Beaver County Dome for middle school students. We are excited to bring more students in, to influence the pursuit of High Priority Occupations in the Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Sectors by having students gain a better understanding of the skill set and educational needs for these industries.
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of their sponsors, speakers, and volunteers for making these events possible. For more information about their sponsors and panelists involved in the 2017 Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Event, please visit their website.
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