Consumer products giant Procter and Gamble selected Butler Tech as one of its first stops for a new program that promotes STEM careers. More than 160 students from Butler Tech’s Project Lead the Way and pre-engineering programs took part, learning about innovative and educational pathways in STEM, short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
“It’s cool to hear what a company wants from you,” says Kiah Fuller, Butler Tech Engineering and Science Technologies senior. “When you hear they want the skills you have, its reinsuring.”
P&G engineers, researchers and scientists shared the impact STEM careers have in today’s world. Their presentation covered an array of topics, including the analytical, communication, and research skills required for the fields, to the career opportunities available starting at an associate’s degree level.
“Our goal for the day was to raise awareness among the high school students to the different career pathways in STEM, from associate’s through PhD. Most are unaware that an associate’s degree can get them a great entry level position with many companies in the Tri-State area,” explains Rob Schottelkotte, Senior Scientist and R&D Recruiting Manager, P&G.
Students rotated through activities demonstrating how critical thinking and science are used to develop household items, such as soap and laundry detergent. While students were using vinegar to clean pennies and dish soap to make lava lamps, they asked engineers and researchers about how their educational experiences influenced their STEM careers. “Everybody uses soap, but you don’t know what’s in it or how it’s made, so it was interesting to see all the chemistry behind it and speak with the engineers and researchers about what we’re learning in school is what they learned and will help us become successful in our future,” says Fuller.
“When we get to talk with students about STEM and careers in the field, we get the opportunity to observe science with them and see them use curiosity and ingenuity to understand what is happening,” explains Schottelkotte. “Our P&G team really enjoyed engaging with the students and giving them a real and personal perspective on the importance of STEM careers.”