By Renee Tolentino

To infinity and beyond: Siklab, STEM!

Grade 11 and Grade 12 students of the Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) Strand participated in the first major project of its Projects Committee: the STEM Beyond last September 15 and 16, 2022.

STEM Beyond is an online “course and career” talk centered around STEM courses, including the field’s different career paths and opportunities. 

The event was divided into two days—the first day focused on courses centered on Science, Technology, and Mathematics. Meanwhile, the second day explored courses in Science and Engineering.

The first day’s speakers were Mr. Ellian Fitzgerald Marquez from the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD), who discussed the course BS Computer Science; Mr. Harvey Felipe from the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), who talked about BS Applied Mathematics, Master in Data Science; and Mr. Jam dela Fuente from the New York University, who tackled BA Global Public Health and Sociology, Minor in Computer Science and Mathematics. 

Further, Day 2 speakers were Mr. Dom Torres from UPD, who discussed BS Civil Engineering; followed by Ms. Christyanna  Ong and Mr. Miggy Mandanas from ADMU, who tackled BS Health Sciences and BS Psychology, respectively. 

Both STEM Beyond Days followed the same program flow, starting with an ice breaker, followed by breather activities, and the courses and career talks. 

Additionally, STEM students were given a chance to ask the speakers general questions regarding college, choices, and what’s it like beyond the ASHS. 

After which, a breakout room Question & Answer session took place, allowing the students to ask course-specific questions.

STEM Beyond was also accompanied by its very own career post named Astral in the strand’s Facebook Group. 

This career post served as a guide for STEM students regarding the prevalent STEM courses based on STEM Beyond’s pre-project survey. It contained a brief description of the courses, plus the information on which college offers such courses.

STEM Beyond ended with a blast as the students were enlightened about the vast opportunities lying in the field of STEM through the mark left by the shared insights of the invited speakers. 

Thumbnail from the STEM Projects Committee