FLATE Supports Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Career Awareness through STEM Fairs

The Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) continues its longstanding commitment to supporting and stimulating student, teacher, and public interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). These student fairs and competitions encourage STEM hands-on explorations, creative thinking, engagement with industry professionals, and communication skills development. They provide an avenue for students to learn outside the more traditional classroom experiences which might be all they need to start a love for STEM.

This year, Danielly Orozco-Cole, Career and Technical Education Program Manager for FLATE, was part of the Tampa Bay Manufacturing Association (BAMA) team of volunteers who had the opportunity to review, interview, and judge some of the best engineering-manufacturing related K-12 projects during the Annual Pinellas and Hillsborough STEM Fair, held at the Countryside High School in Clearwater on February 4th and at the Tampa Convention Center on February 28th. During these events, more than 600 STEM professionals around the Tampa Bay area served as regional judges reviewing 1,000+ elementary-senior students’ projects.

FLATE thanks the sponsors as well as all judges and volunteers who assisted during the STEM Fair. Regional winners in middle and high school will compete in the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida on April 4-6, 2023 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in Lakeland. Winners of the BAMA award will receive a certificate and cash prize at the Annual Awards Banquet on June 15th, 2023 at the Bryan Glazier JCC.

FLATE was also proud to participate again in the Florida Technology Student Association (TSA) state conference this year. The event was held on February 22-25, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. The TSA is a national organization of students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The event showcase technology education programs, build confidence and provide extra-curricular and leadership skills for students. Thousands of students attended the conference. 

Ernie Friend, Executive Director of FLATE, had the opportunity to interact with many students’ parents and teachers at the event. It was amazing to see all the young Our appreciation goes out to all the parents and teachers who helped and encouraged their students to participate. This event truly highlights the state of Florida’s education system's effort to prepare our young people for high-paying careers. FLATE looks forward to attending and supporting the event next year. 

 TSA is always looking for volunteers to assist in event management and judging. Please consider attending next year if you are available by visiting their website at https://floridatsa.org.

For more information about FLATE and its educational resources to inspire the next generation of hi-tech skilled workforce, visit FLATE.org and MadeinFLorida.org.