Goodyear exposes students to a world of opportunity with STEM career day

Akron, OH – Since 1999, Goodyear has engaged Northeast Ohio middle and high school students to explore opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. That tradition continues Saturday, April 30, at Firestone Community Learning Center in Akron with the annual middle school STEM Career Day.

More than 300 students in grades 6-8 are expected for the event, which will offer a range of interactive activities. STEM professionals from Goodyear and other companies will be on hand to talk about their experiences and help students understand what a STEM career might look like for them.

“We are passionate about inspiring students to explore and engage in STEM fields, and to connect them to companies, organizations and universities where technical education is the foundation of the future,” said Brandy Moorhead, Goodyear’s director, government compliance and product performance, and the executive sponsor of STEM Career Day.

The middle school event follows a successful high school STEM Career Day, which was held March 12 at the University of Akron. Eighteen high school attendees were awarded a combined $22,500 in college scholarships, while $11,000 in grant money will be given to middle school and high school winners of the popular Rube Goldberg Competition. Rube Goldberg competitors are challenged to apply STEM principles to create an unlikely and absurdly designed machine intended to perform a simple function.

Both Goodyear STEM Career Day events benefit from the participation of Goodyear employee volunteers and the support and participation of more than 20 area businesses and organizations.