(July 13, 2010) Students, faculty and staff at Stanly Community College (SCC) were able to inspect living organisms, generate electricity, and view computer simulation programs, all from inside a mobile laboratory called the—Mobile Launch Pad for Critical Careers. This 40-foot long, 12-foot high, and 11-foot wide educational lab travels across the state highlighting hands-on scientific demonstrations and activities, as well as computer-simulated learning stations, that introduces people to educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math-related industries (STEM).
The NC Career Launch Pad is funded by Duke Energy’s Community College Grant Program. The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) wanted to find a way to emphasize biotechnology, while extending their outreach to include healthcare, aerospace, green technologies and advanced manufacturing. The Career Launch Pad provides an innovative way to promote jobs and industries that are so vital to North Carolina.
“The NC Career Launch Pad offers our students an exciting opportunity to learn more about careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and interactive environment,” said Delia Carriker, Coordinator for Career and Counseling Services at SCC. “By visiting the Career Launch Pad, our students will learn about career opportunities specific to North Carolina, the educational opportunities in North Carolina community colleges and four-year universities, and how they can be on the cutting-edge in these expanding industries,” adds Ms. Carriker.
Currenty, North Carolina has over 525 bioscience and related companies in the state, employing about 58,000 people and generates nearly $4.5 billion in annual revenue. For more facts and information about the NC Career Launch Pad and NCCCS BioNetwork initiative, visit their website at www.ncbionetwork.org.
Pictured above:SCC Paramedic students, Dakota Raborn and Eli Hudson, test the particle counter used in a variety of NC industries. Particle counters are used to measure particulates to determine how pure the air is for breathing, water treatment, food production, drugs, microchips, etc.
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SCC student Jessica Yow learns about sustainable energy and the explosive fields of study in NC with biofuels, biomass,solar and wind projects.
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SCC student RJ Barbee looks at the latest microscope technology used heavily in the fields of health, forensics, research and development. |
Lisa Richman, Mobile Lab Instructor, NCCCS (left) and Delia Carriker (right) stands in front of the 40-foot long mobile laboratory exhibit, known as the NC Career Launch Pad exhibit. |
