MATC To Open STEM Educational Center To Enhance Student Success

On Friday, September 29, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) will host the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the MATC Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Educational Center. The Educational Center will serve as a hub for students to explore, share, and learn from instructors and industry professionals as they strive to enter careers in the burgeoning STEM profession.

Under the theme of “Full STEM Ahead,” MATC’s STEM Educational Center will serve as a venue where students can be cultivated and prepared to meet the national STEM agenda of diversifying the career pipeline, exposing, encouraging and preparing a new generation of STEM professionals.

The MATC STEM Educational Center has three primary objectives: ensure the success of the college’s STEM students, encourage students in K-12 to pursue STEM in college and as a career, and establish and strengthen STEM industry partnerships in Wisconsin and beyond.

“There is a national effort to increase STEM enrollment at colleges as the industry is exploding in response to trends focused on changes in technology, equipment, software and instruction methods,” said Kamela J. Goodwyn, Ph.D., dean of MATC’s STEM Pathway. “Companies are looking for individuals who are critical thinkers and analytical problem-solvers, especially students of color and females. We believe MATC’s students are perfect for addressing this need.”

MATC has about 1,000 students in its STEM Pathway, which offers certificates, technical diplomas and associate degrees in about 30 different programs that lead to careers in civil engineering, quality engineering, mechanical design technology, mechanical and computer drafting, electronics technology, IT and more.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2021, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations; this total is projected to grow almost 11% by 2031 – over two times faster than the total for all occupations. In addition, median annual wages as of May 2021 were $95,420 for STEM occupations, compared to $40,120 for non-STEM occupations.

The tech community is invited to the grand opening, which will include remarks by MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin, and a presentation by Rich Merkel, executive director of STEM Forward, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote STEM education and careers to all students through collaboration with business, education, government and the community. In addition, staff and students will conduct demonstrations in a mobile RV.

College administrators, lead faculty, department chairs, students, community members and industry partners had a hand in designing and developing the center, which spans about 10,000 square feet and is a mix of laboratory and lounge. In addition to robotic and technological equipment, the center includes strategically-placed soft spaces, such as lounges, alcoves and study areas, which spur informal learning and chance encounters for both students and faculty outside of class time. Studies have shown this collegial engagement can improve retention and persistence rates.

GRAND OPENING EVENT DETAILS
Full STEM Ahead
Friday, September 29, 2023
MATC Downtown Milwaukee Campus
C Building, Room C-278
700 West State Street, Milwaukee

10 a.m. — Ribbon Cutting
10-11 a.m. — Program
11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Faculty and Student Demonstrations include:
Anatomy and Physiology                             Chemistry
Electronics Engineering Technology            Information Technology

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.