At the high school level, finding opportunities to participate in STEM-related activities can be done in many ways. Classroom knowledge is the foundation of preparing yourself for college or a career. Taking courses that will be relevant to your career choice is an important process. Talk to your guidance counselors before scheduling your classes to make sure you are taking the most relevant and callenging courses.
Classroom knowledge is just the first step. Talk to your counselors, friends or teachers to find out what extra-curricular activities, such as science fairs or clubs, are available to you. Your school may also be a part of a career-education partnership that would allow you to attend seminars and events with local industry leaders in a field of interest to you or may offer dual enrollment courses that provide simultaneous high school and college credit as well as a first-hand experience of a collegiate experience.
At the postsecondary level, you should speak to your academic advisors for the purpose of scheduling the most appropriate classes. You will also find information about out of classroom clubs and experiences by researching your college's student activities organization or by talking to you professors and fellow students.
As you look for summer employment, you should begin to consider internships and apprenticeships. Many programs require you to complete one anyway and you can gain connections in the business world, on the job training and sometimes financial compensation while still in school. You should contact your colleges career services office, your local chamber of commerce or your STEM region Point of Contact to find internship opportunities near you.
