RPI to host 19th annual Black Families Technology Awareness Day on Saturday
TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will host its 19th Black Families Technology Awareness Day on Saturday, March 16.
Middle and high school students in grades 6-11, as well as their families and educators, are invited to explore educational and career opportunities in what are often referred to as the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – as well as the arts.
By showcasing the interconnected STEM fields in a fun and interactive way, organizers said the event is designed to motivate students, particularly those who are historically underrepresented in these fields, to pursue studies and careers in STEM.
The event is free and open to the public.
The event will be held on the Rensselaer campus from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Officials said that this year’s theme is “STEM: Solving Life’s Problems.”
According to a news release, the program will kick off with an opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m. in the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) Concert Hall. Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson will deliver the opening remarks.
Officials said that Troy Mayor Patrick Madden will also speak.
Immediately following the ceremony, participants will attend two sessions, at 10:15 a.m. and at 11:15 a.m. The program will culmi-
nate with lunch at noon.
This year, organizers said workshop topics include exploring computer science, nuclear-powered space flight, laser technology, and heart rate sensors.
Students can learn how to become inventors and creators through the use of inexpensive do-it-yourself electronics, compete to design the strongest bridge, find out how science and math can help thembecome better athletes, and more, according to the release.
Organizers noted that attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of scientists and engineers, preparing for college, and STEM careers.
The participant’s skill levels vary and the course accommodates to all. Many of the students with disabilities have trained all season with STRIDE’s dedicated staff of volunteer ski instructors to reach the starting gate on race day—a day that celebrates individual victories and epic successes.
The race starts at 9:00 am.
“Stride’s team is very excited for another opportunity to conquer the Jiminy Peak Mountain and to beat the competition year”
said Coach Clif Mark in the release.
Due to an impending snowstorm, the West Mountain Regional New York Special Olympics have been cancelled and make up dates have not yet been announced. While this can be seen as an inconvenience it provides the athletes an opportunity to get a similar skiing experience.
STRIDE’s annual race serves as a small fundraiser for the organization through the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets, and includes a BBQ lunch open to the public, which has been donated by Hannaford Distribution Center, FritoLay and Freihofer com-
panies and will be served by Brunswick Boy Scout Troop # 537. 50/50 Raffle tickets will be available at the event.
Celebrating 30 years of service to the community, STRIDE Adaptive Sports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides over 11,000 adaptive sport and recreation lessons each year to individuals with disabilities, focusing on youth and Wounded Warriors. With office headquarters in New York’s Capital Region, STRIDE offers programs in over 18 different sports to more than 2,000 families at 25+ regional locations each year. With an emphasis on in-
dividual lifetime sports, STRIDE programs use specialized equipment or teaching aids for successful participation to “level the playing field” for all.
STRIDE i s a par tner member of Disabled Sports and Professional Ski Instructors of America, a US Paralympic Sport Club, a training club for New York Special Olympics, and an official Red Cross provider. STRIDE is recognized as one of the leading adaptive sport programs in the Northeastern United States.
For more information, call the STRIDE office at 518- 598-1279 or visit www. stride.org.