The Pine Bush High School hosted an event on March 11 to showcase their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) with industry professionals from Pratt & Whitney, Allendale Machinery Systems/Haas Factory Outlet, Lloyd’z Motor Workz and the SME Education Foundation joined by representatives from other area high schools, and local officials.

Principal, Aaron Hopmayer led one group of attendees on a tour which began in the library where several 3D printers and a laser are available for student use. It wasn’t about the equipment though; Hopmayer was passionately animated as he explained the benefits to students to learn with hands on experiences and being able to more easily apply knowledge when they can bring ideas and principles to life.

“We have over 330 students in the STEAM program and the challenge is really finding space. We also have STEAM programs available in our summer academies (academies available this summer include: Leadership and Law, Aviation, Fine Art, STEM Academy, Advanced Manufacturing, and the Medical Academy). We are creating business partnerships which can result in additional equipment through donations and help fill the gaps.”

Visitors were encouraged to talk with students about their experiences within the many STEAM classes. Zhenia Ochoa shared her goal to be a computer science programmer and shared participating in robotics allows her to learn how to build on principles from the simple to complex while understanding how coding works.

Amy DeSena plans to attend SUNY Polytechnic as a mechanical engineer with the goal of building and designing prosthetics. “I am interested in the connections the prosthetics make with the nervous system, but I really want to make an impact on people’s lives,” said DeSena.

Gabe Crawley is enrolled in the Polaris University program. Crawley explained, “We meet after school and learn through both hands on activities and online training modules.”

Shelley Wooley, Educational Programs Manager for SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) was in attendance and explained, “We are responding to the decline in students going in to manufacturing roles. One of the most popular pathways for students is in mechatronics which is a hybrid of electronics and manufacturing.”

SME Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) is designed to build “cost-effective and tailored manufacturing/engineering programs in high schools across the country providing equipment, curriculum, professional development, scholarships, and STEM focused extra-curricular activities to students and teachers,” according to the SME website.

Pine Bush is one of two high schools to receive the SME PRIME designation in New York State.

Martin “Marty” McGill, Vice President of Haas shared, “Of all of the high schools I have been to, Pine Bush has one of the best programs with the best teachers and Mr. Hopmayer is the most dedicated professional. What they are doing here is groundbreaking, not just to allow students to find a good job, but a great career.”