Garfield High School Students Explore STEM Careers at NASA Glenn’s Research Center
Garfield High School students recently embarked on a hands-on educational adventure during a Manufacturing trip to NASA Glenn’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Guided by science teachers Doug Sommers and Brad Lambert, the students experienced an immersive introduction to the intersection of STEM education and modern manufacturing. The event highlighted the critical role of manufacturing in economic growth and societal development while offering practical insights into STEM careers.
The program featured a range of interactive activities designed to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications. Students participated in a career discussion with NASA experts, toured cutting-edge facilities, and engaged in hands-on activities such as robotics and virtual and augmented reality. These experiences provided a dynamic learning environment, sparking curiosity and inspiring potential career pathways in STEM fields.
Gavin Custer, an Educational Program Specialist with OSTEM, noted the growing enthusiasm for the annual event. "Interest was so high this year that we plan to host the event two more times to serve over 300 students from Northeast Ohio," Custer shared. This expansion underscores NASA Glenn’s commitment to fostering a strong STEM talent pipeline.
The field trip comes at a time when the need for skilled workers in manufacturing is reaching critical levels. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are currently more than 600,000 open manufacturing positions across the United States—a figure projected to rise to 2.1 million by 2030 if steps aren’t taken to recruit and train workers with specialized skills.
Manufacturing career exploration at NASA Glenn is more than just a field trip—it’s a pivotal initiative aimed at addressing this challenge. By engaging local high school students in STEM disciplines, NASA Glenn hopes to ignite a passion for innovation and prepare the next generation for rewarding careers in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
This event reflects the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders to build a robust, future-ready workforce. For the Garfield High students who participated, it was not only a day of exploration but a glimpse into the boundless opportunities that STEM education and careers can offer.