As society continues to rely increasingly on technology, there’s a greater need for today’s youth to pursue careers in fields like science and engineering in order to ensure the country’s continuing advancement towards a brighter future.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, few students are pursuing careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. However, STEM fields are the country’s future industry and it’s up to the country’s educators to expose students to those principles as early as possible.

Oftentimes, students glance right over careers in science and technology because they don’t understand science or don’t believe they have the ability to be the scientist who invents a cure for cancer or the engineer who takes astronauts to another planet.

Which is why it’s important for teachers to use a hands-on approach while teaching students about these fields in order to get them excited about the opportunities ahead.

One local teacher from Nicholson Elementary is using a hands-on approach to teach her students about STEM.

Maureen Pollitz, along with her sixth-grade and high school students from the Pearl River County robotics club, worked on a project that applied science, technology, engineering and math to the real world.

As a team, they utilized the engineering design process to create a robot designed to survey the city of Picayune’s storm drain pipes to prevent flooding. They submitted their work to the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest and were recently named one of the five national grand prize winners.

The Item applauds local schools like Nicholson Elementary for educating youth about STEM programs.

After all, today’s youth will become tomorrow’s leaders and it’s important to educate these children and help them realize their full potential.