A group of 23 Schuylerville Middle School 8th grade female students attended an Early College Career Academy (ECCA) Women in Trades event at SUNY Adirondack, where they were introduced to educational and career pathways in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. The event was designed to inspire the girls to explore the many possibilities available to them in the future and to encourage them to consider non-traditional careers in trades and STEM fields. Schuylerville Middle School technology teacher and NYS Master Teacher Mark Belden accompanied the students to the event, where they participated in hands-on activities that fostered problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration—critical skills for success in STEM careers. One student shared how they tackled the challenge of building a chair with only two legs, using limited materials and decoding riddles to unlock additional challenges.
In addition to the interactive activities, students had the opportunity to hear from female industry professionals, who shared their personal experiences, challenges, and successes in their respective careers. The professionals’ stories served as a powerful reminder of the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the trades and STEM fields.
“The event really opened my eyes to more possibilities,” said Makayla Reilly. “I didn’t know there were so many different roles in STEM and trades for women.”
“I thought it was pretty interesting how many different jobs and trades there are,” added Alice Armstrong, reflecting on the event’s impact.
The Women in Trades event aimed to spark curiosity, inspire ambition, and empower the students to envision their future careers.
“I think it’s always good to know what careers we can explore,” said Amelia Walter. “The more job options we have, the better.”