Over 500 Students Inspired by Hands-On Experiences at UVA Wise’s Day in STEM-H
On Monday, October 6, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) hosted its annual STEM-H Day at the David J. Prior Convocation Center. Chancellor Donna P. Henry welcomed 530 students from across Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky for a day filled with interactive learning, discovery and career inspiration.
Participating schools included Wise County’s Union Middle School, Coeburn Middle School, St. Paul Elementary, J.W. Adams, L.F. Addington and Wise County Christian School. Dickenson County was represented by Ridgeview Middle School, as well as a sixth grade group from Jenkins Independent School District in Eastern Kentucky.
The goal of Day in STEM-H is to inspire students, particularly in grades where interest in science and math typically begins to decline, by engaging them in STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Health) fields. By offering hands-on experiences and access to real professionals, the event aims to show students the exciting, tangible opportunities that exist in STEM-H careers.
“I honestly love having the opportunity to be involved in such an impactful event,” said Brooke Barnette, laboratory and chemical safety officer at UVA Wise and Day in STEM-H committee chair. “Looking back on my childhood, these types of hands-on STEM activities were always some of my favorites. We never had anything on the scale of STEM-H Day, but those experiences were so important in encouraging my interest and ultimately led me to a career in a STEM field.”
Throughout the day, students rotated through a series of engaging workshops led by faculty, staff and STEM-H professionals. Activities included suturing bananas as an introduction to medical skills, robotics demonstrations with exploratory interaction, and touching a real human brain.
These experiences aim to reinforce the message that “if they can see it, they can be it.” UVA Wise and organizers hope that by exposing students to diverse STEM-H careers early on, they will be more likely to take upper-level science and math courses in middle and high school, and ultimately pursue careers in those fields.
“Research shows that around 6th grade is a pivotal point where students begin to lose interest in STEM subjects,” said Barnette. “Events like these are vital in keeping that curiosity alive, showing students that science and math aren’t just subjects, they’re pathways to exciting futures.”
UVA Wise remains committed to investing in youth STEM-H education and continuing its mission of fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals and innovators.