Arlington Tech Program Students Speak at the DOE’s “YOU Belong in STEM” Conference

Arlington Tech program students share their personal experiences at the Department of Education’s YOU Belong in STEM National Coordinating Conference in Washington, D.C

On December 7, 2022, the Department of Education invited over 250 stakeholders in Science, Technology, Math, and Technology (STEM) from 30 states and territories to discuss their future goals in supporting and investing in the growth of STEM in K-12 and higher education.  Stakeholders wanted to hear directly from students about their personal stories as they relate to the topic of “Who belongs in STEM?.”

Leading this conversation were Arlington Tech program student leaders and former oratorical contest winners Ananya (11th grade) and Ainsley (11th grade). In their speeches, both young women explained how previous struggles in STEM classes sparked questions about not only their abilities, but also their desires to pursue careers in STEM. However, they both went on to explain how they came to the conclusion that what makes one a true STEM student is not grades alone, but one’s curiosity and love of inquiry.

As they concluded their speeches at the conference, Ananya and Ainsley spotlighted the Arlington Tech program. They both thanked instructors at the Arlington Career Center who are passionate about their content and provide students with real-world connections that are essential for any student pursuing a future in STEM careers.