Hundreds of district students and families connected with more than 70 professionals to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics at the Central High School District’s STEAM Career Fair in the Kennedy High School gymnasium on April 11.

Visitors enjoyed interactive displays at the career presentation tables while they engaged in conversations about college and career options and networked with leaders and experts in the STEAM industries. 

“Bringing so many experts, leaders and role models together for one evening has an enormous impact on our school community,” said Science/STEM Chair Robert Soel. “I was so energized walking around the fair and seeing our students engaged in conversations about medicine, engineering, forensics, computer science, graphic arts, meteorology, and so many more."

Attendees were able to meet several professionals including Erica Grow, a Storm Team 4 meteorologist from NBC, Mike Spisak, an IBM Distinguished engineer and master inventor, and Toni Sabatino, an award-winning interior designer. 

“Connecting with a professional can be an inspiring and pivotal moment in a student’s life,” added Soel. “Sometimes one conversation can set students on a path to discovering  a college major or career they may never have known they would have a passion for.”

Along with inspiring career connections, the newly-formed high school VEX Robotics team hosted an in-district VEX competition among Kennedy’s 4 VEX-EDR robots and between both of Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue middle schools VEX -IQ teams.

“Students displayed creative builds which included 3D printed parts such as scoops and horns,” said teacher/coach Michelle Biancardo. 

The Robotics team students were given 3D printed awards of VEXellence.

“The district’s STEAM initiatives in engineering, robotics and coding, have become incredibly successful; a career fair truly helps us to extend our classrooms and show kids what is possible in today’s cutting edge STEAM industries,” added Soel. 

An favorite, the career fair also hosted the district’s sixth annual Medical Scrabble fundraiser which quickly became a heated competition and “spell-a-bration” of medical terms.    

Overall, the career fair was a fun and inspiring night where students and families explored STEAM and unlocked the door to a world of future possibilities in the 21st century.