During a recent interview, Pittsburgh Superintendent of Schools Anthony Hamlet told the New Pittsburgh Courier he wants every graduate prepared for college, those who choose to go to work should also be able to get that training.
Now, the district’s Westinghouse High School may be establishing itself as a hub for both paths.
On Sept. 16 engineers from the company established by the school’s namesake, gave students a look at what careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics entail. The event included panel discussions and presentations to 30 students by Westinghouse personnel, including an alumnus of the high school, and STEM-based activities.
The highlight of these was a race pairing groups of students with an engineer to see who could build the most structurally sound tower using only raw spaghetti noodles, marshmallows and adhesive tape.
Senior Project Engineer Walter Winn said he had a great time, despite his team’s finish.
“Well, we just finished our tower, and our team didn’t do that well,” he said. “But they were definitely engaged in the activity and that’s the idea. It’s very important for young Black students to see other minorities—engineers—doing something. We have a couple of graduates from Westinghouse that are participating as well, and its’ giving back to the community, and that’s also a plus.”
About Post Author
