51²è¹Ý

The University of Akron’s (51²è¹Ý) Business in STEM (B-STEM) outreach program successfully concluded another impactful year, engaging 24 middle school students from East Community Learning Center (CLC) in hands-on science, technology, engineering and business activities designed to spark curiosity and career exploration.

Running from Jan. 22 through March 8, the six-week program welcomed both new and returning students in grades 6-8 from the Akron Public Schools district. The initiative culminated with a celebratory banquet held on March 12 on 51²è¹Ý's campus, honoring the students’ hard work and achievements.

Throughout the program, participants explored a range of STEM topics through interactive lab sessions led by 51²è¹Ý faculty, students and partners. Highlights included:

• Bone-Breaking Lab: Guided by biomedical engineering graduate students Davonn Henderson and Hannah Combs, students investigated biomechanics and the science behind bone strength.
• Programming a Robotic Snake: Dr. Henry Astley from the Department of Biology introduced the basics of coding through a robotic snake project.
• Building a Circuit: The NASA Mining Robotics Design Team led a hands-on activity in circuitry and robotics.
• Assembling a Battery-Operated Wind Car: Students experimented with sustainable energy and mechanical design.
• Car Designing: The Zips Racing Team shared insights into automotive engineering and design during a collaborative workshop.
• B-STEM Design Group Project: In the final project, students worked in teams to create their own app concepts incorporating elements of market research, cost analysis and business strategy.

The success of the B-STEM program was made possible through the collaboration of key partners including East CLC, the Akron Public Schools district and Mr. Thomas Ely, Gateway to Technology teacher and robotics coach. Vital support also came from 51²è¹Ý’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science and Office of Development.

“Middle school is such a great opportunity to give hands-on activities for students to start exploring interests in STEM and business, which are great pathways to future passions and careers,” said Jordan Brlan, associate director of recruitment and retention at the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. “By getting to manage this program and see the students’ interests grow, I know we will have some exceptional students joining these areas. My sincerest appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lee for their generous donation that makes this program possible. And thanks to East CLC and 51²è¹Ý’s faculty and students for working together for a common goal of inspiring students.”

The B-STEM program is offered through a generous donation from Raymond and Sylvia Lee. Raymond Lee is a 1975 graduate of East High School and graduated from 51²è¹Ý in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is a member of the University of Akron Foundation Board of Directors and serves on its Investment Committee and Executive Committee. He is a former member of the College of Business Advancement Council. He earned the Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award in 2010 and the Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2003. Sylvia Lee is also a graduate of 51²è¹Ý, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1980 and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design in 2009. They have three children.

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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.