COLUMBUS, GA, February 7, 2022 – Let’s Grow STEAMx, in partnership with local and regional companies, colleges, and universities, is pleased to present the 5th Annual Youth College and Career Virtual Expo (YCCExpo). The YCCExpo is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, and Thursday, February 17, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on the Let’s Grow STEAMx virtual platform. Registration is FREE and open to all students 4-12 grades in southwest Georgia and east Alabama.
The YCCExpo is a college and career exploration experience where students can learn about the region’s broad range of careers and the pathways to get there, hear from diverse voices sharing experiences and tips, and be introduced to leading employers, colleges, and training programs locally and around the region. The upcoming YCCExpo will be hosted on a virtual platform that will allow students to participate safely in the event. All students will have an opportunity to earn prizes for their participation.
“We know with certainty that exposure is a powerful tool,” stated Robbie Branscomb, Founder and CEO of Let’s Grow STEAMx. “The Youth College and Career Expo encourages youth to explore and connect with a STEAM interest that excites and motivates them to strive toward personal and academic success, thus securing their futures. Let’s Grow STEAMx was founded because we understand that young people, particularly those in underserved communities, need access and exposure to the technological tools and skills that will be critical in the future workforce.”
“The Youth College and Career Expo provides a unique opportunity for industries to meet and shape the ideas of their future workforce, while at the same time providing an opportunity for students to broaden their perspective,” says Tasheé Singleton, CFO & COO of Let’s Grow STEAMx.
This year’s keynote speaker is Ms. Aisha Bowe, a serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and former NASA rocket scientist who is passionate about helping youth break stereotypes, stop internalizing false narratives, and pursue careers in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She founded STEMBoard in 2013 to deliver support to federal clients in solving complex problems, enabling integration of technology and mission at key points and providing actionable intelligence.
Ms. Bowe regularly shares her story and message of self-empowerment in interviews and presentations worldwide. She speaks often as part of the U.S. State Department’s speakers’ program and has been the subject of many articles in publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc.com, Fast Company, Wired, and Shondaland. She has received numerous awards for her dedication to technical excellence and the principles of diversity and opportunity.
Victoria Thomas, Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education for the Muscogee County School District, agrees, praising the upcoming YCCExpo: “Once again, Let’s Grow STEAMx has created a dynamic and engaging platform for students to learn more about colleges and careers. The CTAE Department is delighted that this virtual expo gives students the opportunity to build upon what they are learning in the career education programs we provide through the district.”
Let’s Grow STEAMx is proud to be featured by the Muscogee County School District during the inaugural “I Love My Future” Week, to be observed February 14-17, 2022. “We are excited to partner with institutions like the Muscogee County School District, Columbus Tech, and South Georgia Tech and with corporations like Southern Company and TSYS. These organizations have moved beyond ‘check the box’ performative pledges to support equitable, actionable initiatives that have a direct impact on underserved communities,” said Branscomb. “Through partnerships such as these, we will continue to not only identify and assist in developing the next-generation of STEAM talent, but also enable more students to put the knowledge they gain to use as they reach for opportunities they may have never imagined without this type of exposure.”
Sponsors of the Let’s Grow STEAMx 5th Annual Youth College and Career Expo include the Georgia Chamber, TSYS| A Global Payments Company, Southern Company |Georgia Power & Alabama Power, Columbus Technical College, Amazon Future Engineers, Aflac, Fountain City Classic Inc., Pratt & Whitney, Columbus State University, Columbus Consolidated Government, Metro Power, and South Georgia Technical College.
About Let’s Grow SteamX
Let’s Grow STEAMx brings together local educators, businesses, organizations, and community members to help our PreK-12 students discover and cultivate excitement for the STEAM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in an informal, fun, community atmosphere that activates greater depth of learning for participants. Our platform hosts a variety of engaging and relevant events, from educational challenges to our community race program. One of our signature events, the Youth College and Career Expo, has helped inspire thousands of youth in the Chattahoochee Valley and beyond to seek educational and career opportunities in the in-demand STEAM fields. For more information about the Youth College and Career Expo, please visit https://yccexpo.vfairs.com. For more information about Let’s Grow STEAMx, please visit https://letsgrowsteam.org/.