Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is hosting its annual STEM Week from March 31 to April 4, according to an April 1 announcement. The event aims to strengthen student pathways into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields through a series of educational activities for university students and local K-12 students.
STEM Week is designed as a key initiative in FAMU’s mission to reinforce its position as a regional leader in STEM access and workforce development. The week features hands-on workshops, research presentations by professors, interactive demonstrations, industry professional talks, and outreach visits by FAMU representatives to Tallahassee schools. These efforts are intended to encourage interest in science and technology among younger students.
Joy Jefferson-Yager, Ph.D., the new director of STEM Outreach at FAMU, is leading the initiative. “STEM Week is more than just a series of events; it is a strategic bridge between potential and opportunity,” said Jefferson-Yager. “By opening our labs and sharing our expertise with the community, we are ensuring that students from all backgrounds see themselves as the future engineers, researchers, and innovators who will solve tomorrow’s greatest challenges.”
The university emphasizes aligning academic programs with workforce needs by fostering community connections and giving student ambassadors leadership roles during the week. Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., associate provost for student success and strategic initiatives at FAMU said: “At FAMU, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable pipeline that moves students from curiosity to career. STEM Week allows us to showcase our world-class research while simultaneously building the workforce development pathways that are essential for our region’s growth and the success of our graduates.”
Students play an active part during STEM Week by mentoring visiting K-12 students. Channing Wyatt, a FAMU student ambassador said: “Seeing the excitement in the eyes of younger students when they participate in a live demonstration is incredibly rewarding. It reminds us that our work in the lab today has a direct impact on the community and the generations coming up behind us.”
