Duckworth leads discussion at library on STEM education

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth visited the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on Saturday, Feb. 22, to talk about the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and to promote the House App Challenge, the first nationwide STEM academic competition open to high school students.

Joining Duckworth on the panel were the library's Teen Services manager Tom Spicer and Kids' World manager Amber Creger, along with senior strategy consultant Jeremiah Nelson of Motorola Solutions and Jennifer Kopach, vice president Marketing and Communications for Science Olympiad. Also attending were community leaders, parents, students and educators, including members of the WildStang Robotics team and their leader, Rolling Meadows High School teacher Mark Koch.

The gathering offered a great opportunity for teens and parents to learn about local STEM initiatives.

"Partnering with schools and parents in support of STEM education is an integral component of the library's vision that we take very seriously. Helping our young people to succeed and grow into tomorrow's leaders should be at the top of everyone's list," said the library's executive director Jason Kuhl.

The library has hosted 67 STEM-related programs during the past year.

The House App Challenge is a new competition designed to engage student's creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields. Students can compete in this nationwide event by creating and exhibiting their design of a software application for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice. High school students can learn more about competing in the House App Challenge at studentappchallenge.house.gov. In Arlington Heights, only students living in Congresswoman Duckworth's 8th District are eligible to participate. The contest deadline is April 30.