The Carbon Schuylkill Luzerne STEM Ecosystem came together at CCTI on Wednesday, presenting some innovative ideas to pique students' curiosity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields with new hands-on projects.

Educators, administrators, SHINE members and more were excited to discuss the upcoming Carbon Schuylkill Luzerne Derby Race, which will task students from local technical schools with the creation of their own vehicle."The kids will design it, 3-D print it, and build it - all from scratch. Then, on May 20 they'll get to race it," Rachel Strucko, director of the Lehigh Carbon Community College Carbon and Schuylkill SHINE program said.Carbon Schuylkill SHINE and Luzerne SHINE are joining forces for the special event, which will help to promote various skills from the STEM fields. Engineering an effective braking system alone will require the practical application of science, engineering and mathematic processes."It's all project-based learning," Strucko said. "Obviously, some theory is involved, but it's just about all hands-on."Nine cars will compete in the May race, with each one sponsored by a local company or manufacturer. The committee hopes that the real-world application of STEM fundamentals will help promote an interest for all students, showing them that science plays a part in many occupations."It's going to be a great way to expose students to STEM, business, and industry, and a way to introduce everyone to our ecosystem," member Jeanne Miller, who also owns Miller Educational Services, said.The committee also discussed a new potential project that could play a vital role in educating area students and adults across the counties - a mobile fabrication laboratory."It has a laser-printer, 3-D printer, circuitry and so much more," Miller said. "Basically, it's a place where you can create just about anything you want."Thanks to the mobility, the lab would be able to visit locations throughout counties, introducing students and adults to STEM elements that build the foundation of numerous jobs."It's an opportunity for students, and some parents, to get that first-time experience in a nonintimidating way, so they can experience STEM and get engaged in it," said Laura Saccente, director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network.Saccente said that early introduction to STEM can help build an interest in the fields, which can prove lucrative down the line."One of the messages of the fab lab is to garner that interest and provide opportunities so that the student will pursue it further, whether in college or career opportunities," Saccente said.Miller agreed, pointing out that STEM jobs aren't just limited to research scientists - electrical engineering technicians, architectural and civil drafters, and many other in demand careers employ elements of the STEM fields."The thing is to get kids excited about those fields," Miller said. "That's where the jobs are."For the moment, the fab lab is in the planning stages. Saccente and the committee are looking into National Science Foundation grants for funding, with a preproposal due in mid-February. If it goes through, the committee will be able to add an incredibly valuable tool to their arsenal - one which benefits students as well as those who may not otherwise have access to such technology."It's a partnership with the ecosystem to create a mobile STEM lab that not only assists students in the SHINE program, but the community, the underrepresented population, as well," Saccente said.