Students advocate for STEM, speak to Nebraska legislators at capitol

LINCOLN - Students from Brownell Talbot School in Omaha met with Nebraska legislators at the capitol on Wednesday.

Students advocated for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, also known as STEM.

“We brought to the legislators some  advocacy effort that we had that is going to be passed about computer science,” one student said. “All that we’ve talked to have been very receptive, and excited to talk about why we’re passionate about it.”

Riley Hawkins is a high school senior and the Vice President of “JuSTEMagine” which aims to help kids reach their potential in STEM.

“The fact of the matter is, STEM is for everyone,” Hawkins said. “Part of our mission is inspiring that confidence. Hoping kids can see each other in STEM fields. We feel strongly that the support of our legislators will help us further this mission.”

Maya Savory, another advocate for STEM, emphasized the programs importance because many job fields require STEM type skills.

“There’s no question much of the work force requires some various form of STEM topics,” Savory said. “From basic computer skills to advanced math. In the near future, it’s estimated that over 80% of jobs will require some form of STEM skills. I’s imperative that these opportunities are available to all Nebraska students.”