Local student part of leadership forum

BYRAM — Outstanding middle school students from across the nation took part last week in a unique academic development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM.

The forum’s mission is to inspire scholars to explore career possibilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Twelve-year-old Jack DeAngelis, of Byram Intermediate School, was part of the group.

“STEM fields are the fastest growing areas of study, and STEM professionals are in high demand in the United States and throughout the world,” said Jan A. Sikorsky, Ph.D., the Vice President of

Education for NYLF Explore STEM. “These students, who have already proven themselves academically, are challenged to apply math and science skills as they work on real-world, studentcreated projects to bring their studies to life.”

Students who attended the program participated in a broad range of interactive simulations, hands-on workshops and educational site visits to discover the work of today’s professionals in fields such as

engineering, health care and environmental science. Scholars of the program will also learn to develop critical success skills such as time management, conflict resolution, information analysis, collaboration and public speaking.

Host campuses for the summer 2015 NYLF Explore STEM program included Emory University in Atlanta, GA; Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering near Boston, MA; Loyola University in Chicago, IL; the University of Texas at Dallas in Dallas, TX; Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA; Westtown School near Philadelphia, PA or Menlo College near San Francisco, CA.

NYLF Explore STEM is part of the Envision family of programs, which enable students of all ages to explore their interests and gain learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Since 1985, Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in more than 145 countries. Envision programs are designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape.

For more information about NYLF Explore STEM, visit www.envisionexperience.com/STEM.