Ken White on the Long Island STEM Hub

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It’s no surprise that every year, people leave Long Island. Studies show that 67% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 plan to leave Long Island in the next 5 years. Is there a way to end this “brain drain” and inspire our youth to invest in Long Island for the long term?

My guest today is Ken White, the manager of educational programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He is also Event Coordinator of the Long Island STEM Hub, focusing on preparing students for the Long Island workforce through enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences for students and teachers. STEM Hub’s new video series, Full STEM Ahead Long Island, is designed to teach students K-12 about the benefits of studying STEM.

If you missed part 1 of my interview with Ken, you can download it here.

The Flourishing Industries of Tomorrow

At 1:55, Ken talks about how while the industries that are flourishing are broad, one specific one is computing and coding. Information technology, coding, and computer science have a cross section in every industry. If you have these skills, you’re set for anying, including sciences. Ken’s recommendation? Start taking coding classes. Even if you do not want to be a coder, understanding those tools will help you get a job.

Another industry that can use coders? Engineering. The infrastructure across Long Island is constantly changing, there there is a lot of work to be had.

Change Begins Today

The future looks bright for Long Island. What about right now? Listen at 6:05 where Ken discusses how the future is already here. Learning a new trade will always be important in terms of technology. You do not have to wait for the future to start learning.

Long Island at the Top

We all love living on Long Island. However, is it realistic to think that we can compete with other states? At 7:29, Ken makes his view clear: yes. While there are many individuals moving to other states, there is no beating our school systems. Those who graduate from Long Island schools are ready to make an impact and compete for top jobs.

Ken’s Biggest Mission

What is the ultimate goal of STEM Hub? Listen at 12:15 to hear him discuss his mission. Through STEM Hub, Ken hopes to see a diverse population of students who have the ability, awareness, and capability from a logistics perspective to join the programs that will advance their STEM skills. Students with STEM degrees have the potential to learn more – making it easier for them to settle on Long Island.

If you liked my interview with Ken, download more episodes of The Profit Express to inspire you on the road to business success.