One of the highlights of the Saint Louis Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program is providing our YES Teens with opportunities to connect with leading STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professionals from around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. This interaction not only sparks interest in career fields a teen may not have otherwise considered, but it also introduces YES participants to role models that can inspire them throughout their academic and professional careers.
On Saturday, Feb. 17, as part of their Black History Month curriculum, more than 70 YES Teens visited with four Boeing representatives to discover how people of color are thriving with one of the world’s top contributors in the aerospace and aeronautics industry.
“Not only does the YES Program introduce our teens to STEM fields, but it puts them into real-world environments,” notes Science Center Senior Director of Community Science Siinya Williams. “Since we expect YES Teens to develop into role models for others in our community, we make a point to introduce them to individuals who can serve as role models for them. We appreciate that our Boeing partners feel as strongly as we do about this connection and cherish the opportunity for our teens to visit with individuals who are achieving success in their chosen fields.”
The Black History Month celebration began with a panel discussion and continued with personal interaction between YES participants and Boeing guests, including:
- Daren Garner – a product analyst and teardown engineer. His role is to reverse engineer Boeing aerospace and non-aerospace products to identify ways to improve cost, design and/or manufacturing methods.
- Jessica Henderson – a software integration engineer. Her role is to test Boeing software for faults to ensure the end-user receives an error-free product.
- Donnetta Jenkins – a supply-based management specialist. She helps Boeing acquire aircraft parts needed to build products that connect the globe, protect freedom, and advance scientific discovery through aerospace innovations.
- Anthony White – an F-15 lead assembly mechanic who oversees the assembly process on the aircraft. His role ensures adherence to strict quality standards and safety protocols for the team.
Following the panel discussion, the YES Teens broke into their chosen focus areas to learn how those fields are applied into the workday at Boeing.
“All STEM careers begin with inspiration, and Boeing looks for partnerships in our community that offer inspiration to young students of all ages and backgrounds,” said Boeing Central Region global engagement manager, Chris Bray. “The YES Program provides real world mentorship opportunities that can help produce the next generation of STEM innovators and inspire youth towards aerospace careers.”
Through in-person, in-kind and funding contributions, Boeing — and its employees — has played a vital role in the success of the Science Center’s Community Science programming that brings STEM curricula to St. Louis area youths. The Boeing partnership has enabled Science Center team members to broaden their impact within this community.
In addition to the YES Program, this partnership also supports STEMtastic Camps with the Riverview Gardens and Ferguson-Florissant school districts and the Summertime Science program at the Taylor Community Science Resource Center, home of the YES Program’s operations.
Read more about Boeing’s continued grant support of the Science Center
