The 2022 session of Tri-County STEMersion, held June 20-30, brought 48 Lowcountry educators and counselors together for 10 days of connecting classroom STEM concepts with workforce readiness.

STEMersion celebrated its fifth anniversary with a return to in-person programming. This format enabled participants to gain an in-depth perspective on the region’s workforce needs and their direct role in preparing the talent pipeline.

“Recognizing the value of STEM exposure down to the smallest of learners is a powerful force that hopefully will follow our little scientists and engineers into the future,” said 2022 participant Lorraine Ambrose, a STEAM coach at Oakbrook Elementary School.

 Local industry visits, discussions with business and economic development leaders, and handson group projects culminated in capstone challenges for counselors and educators. Based on observations from industry visits, capstone projects generated lessons and topics to be incorporated into local schools’ curriculum.

Mariah Fleming, Communications Specialist for founding investor and existing industry partner, Robert Bosch states, “Participation in the STEMersion event is a highlight for us at Bosch Charleston Plant. Shaping the future of our workforce is more important than ever and no one has a closer hand in this than teachers. We give educators real world experiences directly from our manufacturing plant that they can apply towards their classroom’s curriculum, in an effort to prepare students for their future. We also use the opportunity to share hints with teachers on the transition from graduation to joining the local workforce, including our apprenticeship and internship programs.”

"I truly enjoyed the fifth annual Tri-County STEMersion event. This was an awesome opportunity, and I have gained valuable information to share with my co-workers, staff, students, teachers, administration and the community. I look forward to next year's event,” said Teresa White, a career specialist with the Berkeley County School District.

STEMersion is co-hosted by the economic development offices of Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Counties, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Lead investors include Bosch, ICL Group and the South Carolina Ports Authority.

Planning is already underway for next year's session, and the STEMersion committee looks forward to forging new partnerships in 2023.

For more information or to become a partner, visit tricountystemersion.com.