On October 20th Dassault Systèmes took part in a nation-wide initiative called STEM Career Accelerator sponsored by STEMconnector® a consortium of companies, nonprofit associations and professional societies, STEM-related research & policy organizations, government entities, universities and academic institutions concerned with STEM education and the future of the workforce. Al Bunshaft, SVP Global Affairs for Dassault Systèmes hosted the STEM Career Accelerator along with partners from SkillsUSA Massachusetts and Olin College of Engineering. Bunshaft has been a passionate supporter of building the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math workers through education and skills development in STEM. He is currently co-chair of STEMconnector’s STEM Innovation Task Force, a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, a member of the Olin College of Engineering President’s Council among other leadership roles in the STEM field.
Over 140 students and faculty from two high-schools visited Dassault Systèmes campus representing Southeastern Regional Technical HS, South Easton, Mass. and Archimedes Academy of Math, Science and Engineering from Bronx, New York. Faculty and volunteers delivered a fantastic program for the students, rotating through four sessions including designing objects that hop by taking inspiration from living creatures, how virtual and augmented reality can be used to change the practice of medicine, the role of scientific innovations in the US Military, and how simulation is used to create everyday products like soda cans, cars and diapers.
Stacey Muanya, National High School President, studying Health Technology at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School kicked off the day encouraging students to open their eyes to the possibilities of careers in STEM and thanking Bunshaft and the Dassault Systèmes team for hosting. “It is companies like Dassault Systèmes that believe in us and allow us to grow in our careers,” she said.
“We have seen through both research and practical experience that nothing impacts a student’s thinking, and inspires them, like hands-on experiences do,” said Dassault Systèmes’ Al Bunshaft. “This event provides a tangible connection for students, from the subjects they study in school to the careers that these subjects enable.”
