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STEM Internship Program provides career exploration for students

Since officially launching in December 2010, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Internship Program of Southwest Colorado has placed six high school students in part-time jobs.

The program provides jobs for high school juniors and seniors where they can learn and apply STEM skills, establish working relationships with local employers, and learn what it takes to succeed in the 21st Century workplace.

One recent placement is Reyes McInnis of Pagosa Springs High School, who will be working at Growing Spaces, a manufacturer of geodesic greenhouse dome kits. McInnis’ interests lie in engineering and green technology.

Kelsey Corbin of Mancos High School was interested in nursing and occupational therapy. She was hired by Community Connections, Inc. in May, a regional organization that provides home and workplace support to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

“I think it’s in every employer’s best interest to help ensure a qualified future workforce,” said Tara Kiene, director of case management at CCI, on why the organization decided to participate in the STEM program. “Having our future workforce understand more about working alongside people with disabilities is an asset to the work we do.”

Montezuma-Cortez High School students Veronica Shaner and Sara Gray also participated in the STEM Program. Gray wants to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and worked at Cortez-based Tuffy Security Products last semester.

Shaner was hired by Durango-based StoneAge Waterblast Tools last March and said working in the Quality Control Department has provided a great preview to an engineering career.

“This job has introduced me to basics in mechanical engineering, like how to read tolerances,” said Shaner, who loves math and engineering. “It’s going to help me out next year [at college]. There are a lot of things I never would have known about before working here.”

Two Ignacio High School students worked in STEM-related jobs in the spring semester as well: Casey Haga, a wildlife biology enthusiast, worked at the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Ethan Pearson worked at Bayfield Auto Care Center to learn more about mechanics.

Pearson said his internship experience taught him many valuable “people skills” and was a great introduction to the field of diesel mechanics.

“I learned how to follow instructions, and this job gave me more confidence in my career choice. I got to on both cars and diesel vehicles, and the hands-on experience was a lot easier than sitting in a classroom, because I actually got to do what I was learning.”

The STEM Internship Program is joint effort between the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado and Alpine Bank. Student applicants are vetted by the STEM Internship Committee, which then connects students with businesses that would be an appropriate fit. Businesses are reimbursed up to $1,000 for payroll expenses when they hire a student. Interested businesses can contact Laura Shelton of Alpine Bank at (970) 426-7170 or laurashelton@alpinebank.com.