STEM the tide

by Alvin A. Reid

There is a race on, and the St. Louis region is picking up speed.

The competition involves the area beating out others for bright minds, bold concepts, and creative thinking. Keys to the effort are science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM] education, diversity, and commitment to finishing first when the day is over.

The Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR race at World Wide Technology Raceway [WWTR] in Madison, Illinois on Sunday, June 5, 2022, is a gem in WWT Chairman and Founder David Steward's plan to help guide the region to the checkered flag. It was a coup in landing the race, but WWT's commitment is driven year-round. There is no low gear.

"A major part of that mission is using racing to increase career readiness. There is so much untapped potential, and there is a natural connection [between] motor sports and STEM."

Logan said WWT is committed to creating a healthy STEM workforce with investment in STEM-focused education, internships, work-based learning opportunities and activities.

WWT, the largest Black owned business in America, works with organizations including the STEM Student Forum, United Way of Greater St. Louis, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Launchcode, NPower, National Academy Foundation's Future Ready Lab, Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls and Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation.