STEM Initiatives
SIM Portland is focused on filling our workforce pipeline with prospects who are better prepared, more confident, and highly engaged to take on careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) fields, particularly those in our industry.
Our approach is to help the students explore the many opportunities in technology carrier tracks
We will help them find ones that blend current and future interests: and instill the idea that career choices, personal interests, and abilities often intersect if only taught where to look.
By creating fun, interactive learning environments, SIM STEM Outreach empowers students to think about their careers early. We partner in this effort with college students seeking a wide range of degrees in IT, providing them the opportunity to build leadership skills by helping us engage with younger students. We approach STEM Outreach with a focus on developing not just technical skills but leadership skills and service to the community.
You DO NOT need to be a SIM Member to participate in the following activities. To get involved with any of the following STEM initiatives, contact Caesar Bernardo, Director, Education Committee
College Mentoring
In the highly competitive field of technology, experience, leadership, and relationships are currency. Developing soft skills alongside technical knowledge and building a robust personal network early in a student's new career - ideally before their first job out of college - tremendously impacts their success. This is the ambitious goal of the SIM College Mentoring Program. We seek to provide area college students a means to gain critical perspective by facilitating mentor/protégé relationships with experienced local professionals. This program aims to instill in students the leadership mentality that will ultimately drive their career success through regular virtual and in-person meetings, structured goal setting, and mutual accountability.
High School Career Days
SIM STEM Outreach facilitates member/professional visits to local high school career and occupational fairs. Throughout the school year, we partner and communicate with several local school districts to coordinate volunteer visits to scheduled career fairs and classroom visits.
Virtual Fairs
New in 2022, SIM STEM is facilitating several online career fairs, including panels with area professionals and keynote talks, and breakout sessions. These are great opportunities for students to learn the industry landscape and network with working professionals in the fields they aspire to.
Middle School Visits
In partnership with numerous local school districts, SIM places professionals in middle school classrooms for a 2-day technology-oriented activity that showcases the multiple talents and abilities required to produce a technology product from inception to implementation. This is one of our flagship STEM Outreach activities to bring awareness of career opportunities at an early stage of education.
College Scholarships
Recognizing that education is a fundamental requirement in knowledge careers, SIM has connected with over 17,000 college students across the Pacific Northwest to award over $750,000 in scholarships. Year after year, we strive to raise funds so we can help make education more accessible for students, opening the door to more and better opportunities for rewarding and successful careers.