Engineering Successful Futures with Boeing
At Think Together, we believe the sky’s the limit for our students. In partnership with Boeing, K-12 students at 72 Think Together sites are exploring new possibilities through the expansion of STEM and the Workforce Readiness and Employment Program (WREP). This seven-year collaboration has resulted in more than $700,000 in funding for STEM, coding and robotics programs, including new STEM and WREP programs in Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro region.
For students like Alex, a 10th grader from Discovery Charter Preparatory School in Think Together’s LA Metro region, participating in the STEM and WREP programs has helped him gain skills and confidence in a field he has long dreamed of pursuing. Inspired by his father, an engineer, and supported by Think Together staff, Alex is learning how he can make these dreams a reality.
“Boeing has helped me discover new STEM careers that I could potentially go into,” Alex said. “I’ve been able to grow my creativity and other skills, which I really like. The WREP program has also helped me better understand how to achieve these goals by showing me how to build a resume and what kinds of jobs to look for.”
Starting this year, Think Together sites across Los Angeles and Orange counties will receive additional access to new technology equipment, giving students opportunities to engage in high-quality STEM learning. These experiences support critical skill development and allow students to explore career pathways in aeronautical engineering, computer science, applied technology and other STEM fields.
According to Worldmetrics, STEM employment is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, compared with 6% for all occupations. Despite this growth, women hold only 28% of STEM jobs, while minorities represent 17% of the STEM workforce.
As a young woman interested in a STEM career, 10th grader Aida is grateful for her WREP program for laying down the foundation on how she can achieve her goals.
“I really want to become a veterinarian, and being in the WREP program has really helped me find my way,” said Aida. “I’ve learned what would be the best courses to take, who to talk to and how to do more research to pursue this career.”
Experiences like Alex and Aida’s highlight how the program is helping students turn aspirations into actionable plans for their futures, something Think Together staff members are seeing firsthand.
“The STEM resources that Boeing provides are critical,” said Sarah Cooper, a Think Together older youth leader. “Not only do they expose students to career opportunities, but they also build confidence. Students begin to see how they can advocate for themselves and make an impact in the world.”
By joining forces with Boeing, Think Together can engage students of all grades and backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to discover how they can become innovators that can change the world. These efforts are not only helping young leaders reach new heights but also equipping them with the tools to engineer successful futures.
