The great jobs of today and tomorrow are in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). Yet people with disabilities remain underrepresented in these fields. To help turn that tide, the 13th annual STEAM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities will be held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Tuesday, October 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The museum is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
This free event is designed for students with disabilities in grades 6-12 and gives attendees a chance to meet and be inspired by role models with disabilities who have thriving careers in STEAM fields. The STEAM Showcase features a Keynote Presentation, Panel Discussion and Opportunity Fair, where participants can engage directly with the speakers and gain practical knowledge that they can apply to their interests and future career paths.
For more information or to register, visit naturalsciences.org/steam. Registration is free but required and closes Oct. 9. For additional questions, contact Coordinator of Accessibility Samantha Frigerio (samantha.frigerio@naturalsciences.org / 919-707-9824).
Keynote Presenter Dr. Louis Vaught is an engineer who develops new materials and manufacturing technologies. He has worked on several interesting projects, including wearable batteries woven into clothing, plastics that survive harsh environments like the North Pole, and even reusable glue for building satellites in orbit.
Attendees can also learn about NC Museum of Natural Sciences programs and volunteer opportunities for middle and high school students; communicate with an employment specialist from the Autism Society of North Carolina who helps autistic job seekers in their search; gather information about the free, award-winning Catalyst program at NC State that prepares high school students with disabilities for careers in STEM fields; and gain knowledge about financial resources for people with disabilities, including savings accounts and investments, from the NC ABLE Program.
ASL interpretation and live captions will be provided for the Welcome, Keynote Presentation and Panel Discussion. For those unable to join us in person, these portions will also be livestreamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/live/U_7SwlWD1po).
This year’s STEAM Showcase is sponsored by SAVVAS Learning Company with additional support from The Bresler Family.
About the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum also supports Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre outdoor education and research facility in west Raleigh, as well as a satellite facility in Whiteville.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.