Utilizing science, technology, engineering and math principles are not just for those with extensive professional experience. Together, these concepts, known as “STEM,” are popping up more in elementary classrooms and seasonal camps. And students are taking advantage of the available resources, showing why early exposure to these concepts matters. 

We believe in brighter futures for our communities through STEM education. As technology advances and societies evolve, we are proud to support education-based initiatives for thousands of teachers and students our communities. This is achieved through hands-on experiences, demonstrations and resources.  

“Classrooms offer abundant opportunities to learn, but the world looks different outside those walls,” said Katie Davis, vice president of External Affairs and Customer Experience. “I&M offers students the chance to see how STEM skills are relayed in the real world and then how those skills can later become a passion in the future.”

This is evident at our service centers and Baer Field Training Center.

With indoor and outdoor training set-ups for future line workers, the space promotes hands-on learning but not just for those enrolled. For several years, local students have taken advantage of its focus on STEM principles. With an extended emphasis on innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, Baer Field has offered youth the opportunity to be empowered with technology and skills they can maximize later in their lives.

Additionally, in partnership with Junior Achievement’s 3DE program, a group of high school sophomores recently experienced similar hands-on STEM-based practice at I&M’s Northeast Service Center. Opportunities like these further help students identify community resources, such as our staff, who they share similar interests with. 

Summer camps are also providing the platform for students to dive into STEM-education. Recently, the Fort Wayne Urban League hosted a STEM Camp, funded by an AEP Foundation grant. Open to students in elementary through high school, the hands-on opportunity challenged participants with detailed lessons and experiments.  

To learn more about how we are powering the next community initiative, including STEM-based opportunities, please visit the community section on our website.