University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty recently participated in Declaration Day at Racine Unified School District’s Park High School, helping students explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and careers.
Park High School, which has an enrollment of 1,400 students, celebrates a Declaration Day for students to officially declare their area of study and select an Academy and Pathway for their high school career. Closely aligned with STEM programs, the Academy and Pathway programs are novel programs implemented at Park High School where minority enrollments are prevalent – 35% African-American, 31% Hispanic-Latino, and 70% Economically Disadvantaged – according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Two faculty members from UW-Platteville’s Department of Industrial Studies – Dr. Travis Sossaman, coordinator of the Plastics and Materials program, and Dr. Gamini, coordinator of the Electronics, Automation and Robotics program – were given the opportunity to address more than 500 attendees, including students and parents, celebrating the Declaration Day. They highlighted high-quality STEM learning and engagement opportunities that are a game-changer for young people in disenfranchised communities who might otherwise not have access to pathways to the fast-growing STEM economy. They also emphasized the success in the modern economy that requires a wide set of skills, including STEM knowledge, digital literacy, leadership, and strong problem-solving and team-building abilities. All students were encouraged to utilize the given opportunities to develop highly adaptable skills early and often, to ensure they are better prepared to take on challenges and opportunities throughout their lives and careers and reach their full potential.
Gretchen Bockenhauer, lecturer in the UW-Platteville Building Construction Management program, joined Sossaman and Gamini in a teleconference with the STEM students to discuss options and programs at the university.
Sossaman and Gamini also conducted two hands-on classes for junior and senior high school students. The classes utilized industry standard Allen Bradley Rockwell Automation Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) where the students wrote Ladder Logic programs. The students downloaded their programs to the PLCs and experienced how PLCs execute reprograms, read inputs and produce outputs. This allowed Sossaman and Gamini to provide readily adaptable resources for STEM programs to schools that reach underserved and underrepresented students, engaging them in exciting and motivating hands-on STEM learning.
The visit was initiated and coordinated by Nicole Ryan, UW-Platteville regional admission advisor, and Dr. Jeffrey Wilkins, Park High School professional school counselor, supported by Racine Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien and Academy Principal William O’Malley.