Inspiring Curiosity Through Career-Connected Learning
On October 16, Snohomish STEM brought STEM Like Me!® to Centennial Middle School, when 357 students spent the day exploring careers and discovering the power of STEM in everyday life.
Local Professionals, Real-World Experiences
Presenters from Snohomish PUD, Eckstrom Industries, PACE Engineers, Inc., Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center, Serenity Forge Gaming, Helion Energy, Core Design, Inc., and the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship led interactive 10-minute sessions—from civil engineering challenges to hands-on activities in video game design, energy, and manufacturing—each sharing how STEM skills power their work in the real world.
Community Support Makes It Possible
Thanks to the generous support of Google Cloud and Economic Alliance Snohomish County, whose investment helps us continue building pathways between local classrooms and high-demand careers.
By the Numbers: Student Impact
- 79.6% of students reported a stronger understanding of STEM careers and pathways
- 59.2% left more interested in pursing a STEM career
Countless students also told us how much fun they had while learning—a powerful reminder that joy and discovery go hand in hand.
What Students Had to Say
🔧 “Learning about different ways to cut metal.”
🏗️ “I think the civil engineering stuff was cool.”
💧 “I like learning about our water systems.”
🎮 “Learning about the video game development class.”
🪢 “Learning how to tie boat knots.”
🌍 “Learning and hearing about how they help people and the planet.”
⚡ “Almost getting my battery to spin the wire.”
👀 “Getting to know about new jobs for me.”
“Our goal is to spark curiosity and show students that STEM careers are for everyone,” said Alyssa Jackson, Director of Snohomish STEM. “When young people can talk directly with professionals who live and work in their own community, it make the future feel both real and reachable.”
Investing in Our Future Workforce
STEM Like Me!® is one of Snohomish STEM’s signature career-connected learning programs, alongside Explore I.T. Careers℠, ECHO Tour℠, and Spring into STEM℠. We also support partner programs like Girls Explore STEM (with WSU Everett), AMTEC Manufacturing Day Tour (with Everett Community College), and Expanding Your Horizons (with Edmonds College).
Together, these programs are investing in our future workforce—helping students connect what they learn in school to meaningful, high-demand careers.
A heartfelt thank-you to our event partners, volunteers, and sponsors for inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators right here in Snohomish County.
➡️ Follow Snohomish STEM on LinkedIn for more stories of career-connected learning in action.
