This past summer, a group of six high schoolers from Cambridge embarked on a unique journey to explore Steam Career Program options. Through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), these teens gained invaluable hands-on experience and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to several leading STEM companies located right in Cambridge.
The steam career program is специально designed to support young individuals who are curious about STEM but unsure of the specific career landscape. Program coordinators carefully selected participants from the MSYEP applicant pool, identifying teens who expressed an interest in STEM fields and who come from backgrounds historically underrepresented in these sectors. The core mission of the steam career program is to demystify STEM workplaces, fostering an environment where local teens feel empowered to pursue advanced STEM coursework in high school, consider STEM majors in college, or confidently embark on vocational paths leading to rewarding careers within the local STEM industry.
Participants in the steam career program began their summer by honing their networking skills – a critical tool for engaging with professionals in STEM companies, many of whom had not interacted with high school students in a professional setting for many years. A pivotal moment for the teens was meeting Parris Chandler, the founder of Black Tech Pipeline and an MSYEP alumnus. Chandler emphasized the significant value of the teens’ perspectives and experiences in shaping their community’s future.
As the program unfolded, the teens refined their informational interviewing techniques through interactions with professionals at Sanofi. Sanofi staff were impressed by the students’ insightful questions and provided valuable career guidance. The steam career program also facilitated visits to prominent companies including Google, CarGurus, AFFOA, and BioMed Realty. During these visits, the teens shadowed professionals across various roles, gaining firsthand insight into the diverse career opportunities within STEM. A key takeaway for many participants was the realization that beyond technical expertise, tech companies also value strong interpersonal skills in roles such as marketing, training, and sales.
The steam career program culminated in an engaging week at the City’s Community Development Department. Here, the teens learned about the intricate processes involved in urban development and resource management to meet the evolving needs of the Cambridge community. At the program’s celebratory finale, the teens shared their transformative experiences with professionals, program staff, and their families. Overwhelmingly, the participants recommended the steam career program to all teens, highlighting it as an exceptional pathway to understanding the diverse opportunities available within their own city. For those seeking further information about STEAM Internships, Nina Nolan can be contacted at [email protected].
