On October 25th, 2014, we held our fifth annual Leading the Way: Youth Leadership Summit, at Edwards Lifesciences Global Headquarters in Irvine, California. With over 150 students, parents, and community leaders in attendance, the event provided an opportunity for students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and to learn about how math and science proficiency is increasingly a critical skill for current and future jobs. This free half-day event included student presentation of OC business trends, panel discussions from industry leaders and a diverse group of engineers, tabletop exhibits to introduce students to local STEM career opportunities and college programs, and breakout sessions led by business and education leaders throughout the region.
Here is what some of the students had to say about their Youth Leadership Summit experience:
I learned firsthand experiences to know what skills employers look for and what they recommend when you take the step to college and beyond.
—11th grade Beckman High School, Future Marine Biologist
The Summit was very insightful and entertaining; it had exactly what I'm interested in!.
—11th grade, Northwood High School, Future Engineer
The Youth Leadership Summit was a fantastic and enlightening experience!
—11th grade, Northwood High School, Future Computer Science Engineer
I know I am going to achieve a career in science, and learning about the opportunities and ideas currently in the scientific world really interested me.
—9th grade, Beckman High School, Future Clinical Scientist
I got to learn about a job I was interested in on a more personal level and became aware of how to get that position in HS by internships and volunteering.
—9th grade, Beckman High School, Future Lab Specialist
I learned about what steps need to be taken in education and the best way to go about it for various fields.
—10th grade, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
I had an amazing day at the Summit and I learned tons! Thank you!
—10th grade, Aliso Niguel High School, Future Molecular Engineer
Overall the summit was amazing! I learned so much about these careers and look forward to pursuing one in the future!
—12th grade, Orange High School, Future Journalist
