INL News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 2016
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lori McNamara, 208-520-6066, [email protected]
Laura Scheele, 219-381-8672, [email protected]
INL to share opportunities of future with eastern Idaho youth
IDAHO FALLS — On Friday, Feb. 26, Idaho National Laboratory will host high school students from throughout the region at a new event designed to support the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative.
In 2014, President Obama announced the MBK initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by disadvantaged and minority youth and extend hope for all young people to reach their full potential.
MBK is a recent addition to the many events INL sponsors to interest students in the potential for a career at the national laboratory. Many of those events are tied to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The goal of the event is to break down stereotypes about STEM careers and provide them great role models and mentors to follow.
“One of the biggest challenges the lab and industry as a whole face is developing the workforce of the future,” said INL Director Mark Peters. “It’s vital that we engage students now and make sure they are aware of the incredible opportunities right here in Idaho along with the education and training needed to take advantage of them.”
That’s why it is so important to reach children in towns small and large, and of all backgrounds and origins, so an interest in STEM subjects can be sparked early.
Students will participate in a full day of hands-on activities and laboratory tours, interact with research scientists and nuclear engineers, and learn about STEM careers and opportunities for post-secondary education and internships. MBK will engage students in STEM activities relevant to the mission of INL and related to the curriculum they are learning in school.
“Too often, students, parents and teachers are not aware of the opportunities available in their own backyard,” said Amy Lientz, INL’s director of Partnerships, Engagement and Technology Deployment. “In the end, this type of event builds interest in STEM careers and helps to grow our talent pipeline, enabling a sustainable future workforce.”
This year’s event will be held at the Energy Innovation Laboratory (EIL) in Idaho Falls, and in several other INL facilities.
Note to Editors:
The EIL is located at 775 University Blvd. The INL Meeting Center entrance is located at the south end of the EIL. In order to support planning and coordination efforts, click here to see the agenda for the event.
