Biglerville High School is gearing up for an educational milestone as Junior Achievement of South Central PA prepares to host an enriching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summit on February 13, 2024. The eagerly anticipated event promises an engaging experience for all 9th and 10th graders, with over 260 students expected to immerse themselves in a full day of stimulating activities.
Allison Kierce, the COO of Junior Achievement, expressed her enthusiasm for the summit. “Our goal is to ignite a newfound passion in our students, helping them discover interests they never knew they had,” Kierce said.
The summit’s success is a community effort, with volunteers from local businesses, organizations, and parents of high school students joining forces to make the day a memorable one. Notable contributions include hands-on modules by Thaddeus Stevens College focusing on water filtration and physics, engaging biology-related activities from WellSpan Health, and practical, interactive sessions by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
This event is a continuation of Junior Achievement’s longstanding commitment to providing Biglerville High School students with activity-based learning experiences. For more than a decade, the organization has been a beacon of knowledge, annually rotating themes and grade levels to cater to the dynamic learning needs. The upcoming year will see 11th and 12th graders participating in ‘Real Life,’ an interactive event designed to teach students about budgeting through pricing games.
The enriching JA programs also extend to the Gettysburg Area School District. GASD school students are set to partake in ‘Your Economic Success (YES!)’ on March 21, 2024, diving into career exploration and financial responsibilities of future life. Additionally, fifth graders are looking forward to their BizTown visit on April 8th and 9th, where they’ll engage in a simulated town experience, complete with responsibilities like electing a mayor and job applications.
Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Kierce emphasized the role of dedicated volunteers in these transformative student activities. Local community members and businesses interested in contributing to the STEM Summit at BHS are encouraged to step forward. Prospective volunteers can reach out by calling 717-843-8028 or emailing sbaker@jascpa.org.
About Junior Achievement:
For over a century, Junior Achievement (JA) has been equipping youth with the essential skills to thrive in the economy. This global non-profit organization emphasizes three core pillars in education: financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Boasting 102 offices across the U.S., JA of South Central PA has been making a difference since 1955. The dedicated staff at JA’s office at 610 South George Street, York, PA, extend their services to students across a wide array of counties, including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, and many more.
Amy is a freelance writer and reporter. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. She works in early childhood education and occupational therapy, and volunteers with local organizations.