STEM Adventures:
Bringing K-12 Students to Research Labs and Facilities 
Farmingdale School District

 

For the first time, the Office of Economic Development hosted a field trip from a Summer Camp at the R&D Park. 

On July 11, Farmingdale School District’s English as a New Language Camp toured CEWIT and the AERTC, while also learning about offshore wind. Eighteen (18) Spanish-speaking seventh and eighth graders, accompanied by their teachers were welcomed by Economic Development bilingual team members Angiee Pineda Mora and Adam J. Ortiz.

Upon arriving, the students were given an introduction into offshore wind from  Vineyard Offshore’s Senior Manager of External Affairs Andrea Bonilla. The presentation, jointly delivered by additional team members Blake Hyatt and Marlena Fitzpatrick, was conducted in both Spanish and English, as the campers strive to strengthen their language skills through immersive STEM experiences. Vineyard Offshore sponsored a pizza lunch for the camp.

Following the presentation, the campers toured CEWIT’s Reality Deck and the AERTC’s Battery and Combustion laboratories.

Feedback from the teachers included:

"It was nice for the kids to see other latinos with successful STEM careers. Representation is super important." -Kathy Cordoba

"It was a very meaningful, interactive, engaging tour with a lot of movement. The variety of presenters held their attention. -Rene Bonilla

"It was a great exposure for the students to see career opportunities for their future." -Sarah Espinal

"The bilingual presenters were excellent." -Audra Donroe

 

Organized by Derek O'Connor - Workforce Development Manager (Economic Development)