NextEnergy, a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate advanced-energy technologies through collaboration, today announced it was host to more than 100 Detroit Public School STEM students and faculty for a STEM event. The half-day event was part of the STEM program initiative sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), an industry association that interfaces with government to promote national security.
STEM, an acronym meaning: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is an initiative designed to stimulate interest in technical fields among high schools students with the end-goal of building a robust technical workforce in the U.S. “We do all kinds of fun things looking to capture the students’ interest and to show them where technical studies can take them in their future,” says NDIA board member Steve Gordon, who was one of the event organizers.
The day’s events included a facility tour and presentations by NextEnergy staff on advanced- energy technologies in the areas of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, building efficiency, military applications, and university/venture programs. “NextEnergy is a company comprised by and large of professionals whose training and experience is in technical backgrounds,” notes company president and CEO Ron Gardhouse. “The kids of today are the leaders of tomorrow. We’re delighted to support this initiative.”
Founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NextEnergy is headquartered in Detroit’s Alternative Energy Renaissance Zone and serves to accelerate energy security, economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility through the growth of advanced-energy technologies, businesses and industries. For more information on the NDIA STEM initiative, visit www.ndia.org/stem.