Virtual Career Connections

Virtual Learning Experience

A virtual learning experience, or virtual field trip, is a simulated, real-time field trip. In the case of interactive video conferencing, "students interact, in a live event, with a remotely located field trip host" (Cole, Ray, Zanetis 2004).

Explore EarthEcho’s Virtual Career Connections

Join EarthEcho International as we highlight relatable voices and exciting life experiences to make careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) come alive! EarthEcho strives to connect students to STEM professionals to serve as positive role models and inspiration to the next generation of STEMExplorers. STEMExplore Virtual Career Connections showcase diverse, female professionals in STEM careers during dynamic, 45-minute live virtual events. Join us for the 2020 STEMExplore Virtual Career Connections. Register for upcoming events to be part of the conversation! 

2018 STEMExplore Field Trip to UTC Pratt & Whitney

2018 STEMExplore Field Trip to UTC Pratt & Whitney

In 2018, STEMExplore connected 7,000+ girls in after-school programs to professional women in environmental STEM careers through a series of live, interactive events. Participating girls from our afterschool partner site, YWCA Hartford Region, were able to meet STEM Mentor and UTC engineer Ciara Poolman as well as tour the facilities at Pratt & Whitney in Farmington, CT. We are seeking community-based, afterschool program providers with a core constituency of underrepresented youth, primarily females, ages 13-18. Ideally, STEMExplore Afterschool Partner Sites are located in the following geographic areas of interest: Hartford, Connecticut; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; West Palm, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; New York, New York; southern California; and Ponce, Puerto Rico. If your organization is interested, please contact us! “For young women interested in becoming engineers and scientists, the reality is they won’t see as many women – especially women of color – in those roles as men,” said engineer Ciara Poolman. “It’s important for girls to see professionals who look like them to know that they, too, could one day have a career in STEM.” UTC is founding sponsor of STEMExplore – a collaboration with EarthEcho International – that is designed to make STEM careers exciting and accessible through a variety of virtual experiences. Credit: United Technologies https://www.utc.com/en/news/Other/2018/12/13/teen-girls-explore-jet-engines-and-stem-careers-at-utc

How Women in STEM have Inspired Me

How Women in STEM have Inspired Me

In 2018, STEMExplore asked young women to share stories about how professional women and mentors inspire them to explore STEM careers. Thank you to Maryam Kabal for telling her story and for allowing EarthEcho International to be part of her journey! "I was inspired by the many women I met through my STEM journey whether it be through the virtual field trips or in person on the tour of Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies. I believe in empowering women to step outside their comfort zone in order to break down the stereotypes that Engineering and Math are only for men. I want to encourage girls to pursue things that they love, regardless of what society says you should do or wants you to do."