Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ Program announced that Grammy award-winning Maui High and STEMworks alumnus Jason Baum will be one of the keynote speakers for the 15th Annual Hawaii STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Conference. Taking place on April 4-5 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, the conference is presented each year by MEDB to inspire Hawaii’s middle and high school students to study and pursue careers in STEM fields by giving them opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals.
“MEDB is proud to present the 15th Annual Hawaii STEM Conference,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President & CEO. “We are also honored to have Jason Baum speak to attendees about his career in creative media. We expect over 500 student participants this year from both public and independent schools statewide. Virtually every field in every sector of the economy, whether a small business or major industry, needs STEM professionals. Preparing our youth to be resilient, well-educated, and self-directed learners is at the heart of all MEDB’s STEMworks programs. That is what this conference is all about.”
In addition to the keynote talks, the conference will offer students and teachers professional development sessions on over 20 different STEM topics. Led by industry experts, the session topics will include aerospace engineering and aviation, ChatGPT, AI (artificial intelligence), coding, cybersecurity, and more. Students will also have access to the latest technologies to showcase their skills.
“Pre-conference competitions are currently underway and are open to all K-12 students in Hawaii,” said Katie Taladay, STEMworks Program Manager. “Plus, student conference attendees will be able to participate in on-site competitions and activities, such as video game design, anti-vaping health, renewable energy innovation, ecosystem conservation, short film production, and others.”
In addition, students and teachers will have the chance to talk story with industry professionals. During a more structured 5×5 networking session, students and professionals will be able to chat about STEM career pathways. Taladay added, “Registration for the 15th Annual Hawaii STEM Conference is currently open for students and teachers. STEM industry professionals are also invited to register to participate as speakers or exhibitors.” More information can be found online at https://www.hawaiistemconference.org/.
Seeing Jason Baum and other STEMworks alumni, who are in their own careers now, coming back to our events to give other students the opportunities they were given, is priceless! Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President & CEO
