CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — Jobs in the STEM industry are more popular now than ever.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
According to the Pew Research Center, STEM jobs have increased 79% in just 30 years and they’re expected to keep growing.
However, women only account for 27% of those jobs.
That's something Roane State Community College is hoping to change with its lineup of summer camps.
Roane State’s Cumberland Business Incubator, a maker space on the Crossville campus, is hosting several events to get kids interested in STEM fields.
Coding camp was the first STEM field featured during the first week of June.
The next clinic is June 14 through June 16 and it’s all about 3D printing.
3D printing is a hobby and career that has exploded in recent years. 10 years ago, the price of a desktop 3D printer ranged from $700 to a couple thousand dollars. Now, a printer like the Ender 3, is only about $200.
They come in all different shapes and sizes for a variety of uses. Everything from small action figures and replica statues all the way to houses and cars have been made with 3D printing.
As part of the summer STEM camps, you can build and set up an Ender 3 model 3D printer with help from the faculty there.
You will have to purchase the equipment, but it comes home with you at the end of the session.
This summer there will also be classes on woodworking, embroidery and laser cutting among other topics.
If you’d like to sign up for any of the summer courses, visit this website.
