What is this event?
To showcase the many career paths in MagLab-related STEM fields, Kawana Johnson organized a MagLab table to participate in the inaugural North Florida Worlds of Work (WOW) Career Expo, October 20-21, 2023. Over 3,000 ninth-grade students, 100 employers, teachers, and parents from the North Florida area converged on the campuses of Tallahassee Community College and Lively Technical College for this inaugural event. The WOW event aimed to create a broader awareness of the many high demand, high wage job opportunities that exist in North Florida, particularly for high school students so they could best plan their education pathway.
Why is this important?
There are many STEM careers that do not require a bachelor’s degree. This segment of the STEM workforce is a crucial, but often under-appreciated part of the science and engineering enterprise. They are vital to our economic prosperity, our scientific and technological competitiveness, and our national security. Indeed, the Skilled Technical Workforce consists of more than 17 million workers who use science and engineering expertise and technical knowledge in their jobs.
Who did the research?
K. W. Johnson1
1National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Why did they need the MagLab?
Many students may be unaware of the diverse career opportunities available at the MagLab and the pathways to pursue them. Through this activity, the MagLab was able to provide students with exposure to various career options within a national laboratory setting while also showcasing some of our talented scientists, engineers, technicians, and machinists. This awareness helps students make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, improving retention and graduation rates.
Funding
This research was funded by the following grants: G.S. Boebinger (NSF DMR-2128556)
For more information, contact Kawana Johnson.
