Dream Tour encourages students to pursue high-tech careers
More than 4,000 middle school students from Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Irving rallied behind science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education on December 7 at the Ellis Davis Field House during The Dream Tour, a high-energy motivational program presented by Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., the first African-American to walk in space.
“We are investing in the education of our future leaders today so they will be prepared for tomorrow”
Students from Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Irving ISDs participated in the two-hour, inspirational program designed to encourage STEM-related careers. The high-tech event, supported by ExxonMobil Foundation, featured interactive science experiments, a simulated shuttle launch and firsthand accounts from ExxonMobil engineers about the rewarding aspects of their careers. The program concluded with a motivational address from Dr. Harris about how he overcame barriers through education and achieved his dreams to become a successful physician, businessman, NASA researcher and astronaut.
“Forty years ago, who would have thought our handheld devices would have the same computing power as the technology used to send humans to the moon?” Harris said. “With The Dream Tour, I want to inspire students to use their talents and creativity to become innovators who can push the boundaries of what people think is possible.”
The need to encourage students to consider STEM careers is more critical than ever. The National Science Foundation estimates that 80 percent of jobs in the next decade will require math and science knowledge; however, the number of Americans graduating with STEM degrees is not keeping pace with projections.
“We are investing in the education of our future leaders today so they will be prepared for tomorrow,” said ExxonMobil Foundation President Suzanne McCarron. “ExxonMobil is committed to encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers by engaging students in math and science and opening their eyes to the possibility of a career in these fields.”
This September, The Dream Tour made its first international stop – a three-country African tour – to expand the program’s impact and address the need for strong STEM initiatives worldwide.
In addition to Dallas, successful programs were held in New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Antonio earlier this year. Dallas is the final stop of the 2011 tour.
In nearly every city, Dr. Harris will host a forum for educators and community leaders to discuss education issues and generate solutions to transform STEM education in their community. In 2012, a national forum in Washington will bring educators and policymakers together to discuss the importance of STEM education.
By the end of 2011, The Dream Tour will have visited 39 cities since its inception to achieve its goal of impacting more than 1 million students, teachers and parents.
