Six Cambridge teens delved into a world of possibility, thanks to the STEAM Career Exploration Program. Part of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), the initiative aimed to introduce young minds to the often-elusive sphere of STEM careers by offering hands-on experiences and a chance to communicate directly with professionals in the field.
According to Cambridge News, the selected participants were not merely invited to participate; they were identified as having expressed interest in STEM fields and came from communities that have traditionally been excluded from these areas. The crux of the program was to lift the veil on STEM workplaces, inspiring the teens to pursue higher-level courses in school and college or to follow a training path that leads to a well-paying local career.
The process began by equipping the teens with a crucial tool to navigate through professional spaces: networking skills. Gaining insight from Parris Chandler, founder of Black Tech Pipeline and their own former MSYEP youth intern, the group learned about the impact their experiences could have on their community. Chandler emphasized the significance of their viewpoints in shaping the sector and how important their voice is overall.
As they gained confidence, the teens began to engage in informational interviews and visited an array of companies such as Google, Sanofi, CarGurus, AFFOA, and BioMed Realty.
The STEAM Career Exploration Program came to a close following a week spent within the City's Community Development Department. The teens gained knowledge of how the city manages new developments and updates existing resources, all aimed at catering to the evolving needs of the community as highlighted in Cambridge News.
