ExxonMobil Guyana has teamed up with the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) Inc. to stage the 7th Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Conference held on Saturday at the Ramada Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara.
The company made a contribution of some GYD$20M to support these activities which are expected to run from September 2019 to June 2020.
The event, according to the company, is part of its ongoing commitment to the advancement of STEM education in Guyana.
The conference was held under the theme “Present Innovators, Future Creators,” and brought together 400 students from 11 Secondary schools in Georgetown. These schools have been actively implementing the STEM after-school programme facilitated by VYC Inc.
Speaking at the event, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Wells Execution Manager, Ryan Turton, shared his love for STEM and its impact on his career. Turton, who has degrees in Aerospace Technology and Mechanical Engineering, has worked with ExxonMobil for 13 years in “four different countries on four continents”.
“When it became time to consider a career choice engineering was a natural fit. Growing up on a farm gave me a very practical view of the world and engineering was a career that allowed me to apply fundamental science and mathematics, coupled with technology to solve real-world challenges,” he told the participants.
Meanwhile, he also spoke of ExxonMobil Guyana’s commitment to the social and economic advancement of Guyana by building capacity through activities such as the STEM conference.
“This STEM programme is part of a long-standing partnership with the Volunteer Youth Corps, and by investing in joint efforts such as this we are helping students develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and future careers,” he added.
A team of engineers from ExxonMobil Guyana joined students throughout the day to participate in various exercises and experiments.
ExxonMobil Guyana has partnered with VYC Inc to implement STEM education in schools since 2012. In the after-school programme students are exposed to practical lessons in Physics, Chemistry, Integrated Science and Information Technology. There is also a three-day Science Camp at a local environmental facility.
