Edwards announces new webpage for local STEM needs, support

  • Published
  • By Jet Fabara
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force has recognized a critical need for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talent for future technology and innovation efforts within our nation's workforce.

In line with efforts, Team Edwards has created a new webpage for those seeking local STEM programs and support. The new webpage, located at www.edwards.af.mil/stem, officially went live Feb. 18 and can now be accessed via the Edwards Air Force Base homepage under the "Edwards AFB STEM" tab.

"Edwards has participated in STEM programs for years. It has been an ad hoc process that relied on word of mouth and who knew who to get resources and projects," said Michael Berard, Edwards AFB STEM program manager and coordinator. "The 412th Test Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Michael T. Brewer, is changing that. Recently two websites have been designed and are now being beta tested to be the shopping place for STEM requirements and resources."

Of the two websites, Berard noted that the internal or in-reach site, available through the Edwards Air Force Portal SharePoint, will have features focused on reaching audiences who work at Edwards and would like to volunteer their time to STEM programs, while the out-reach site will focus on allowing external organizations to request STEM support available in the local community or installation.

"The in-reach portion will be used for all the presently hired individuals at Edwards who wish to continue their education or get involved with STEM outreach. If you want to volunteer your time and energy to the STEM programs in the local area, please fill out and submit the volunteer request found on the STEM in-reach website," Berard said. "This will then be vetted by the STEM program manager and the 412th TW installation director. You and your supervisor will be notified of your wish to volunteer and the opportunities that come thru the outreach portion of the program."

According to Berard, on the SharePoint (in-reach) website, personnel will find links and points of contact for a variety of programs and opportunity's for STEM in day-to-day business. He also noted mentorship and training opportunities could be linked right from the SharePoint site.

"The other aspect of STEM is the outreach program. By visiting the website, http://www.edwards.af.mil/stem, you can see what is happening in the local communities in the area of STEM," said Berard. "A calendar is apparent and events that are scheduled in the greater Antelope Valley will be put on the calendar and updated frequently. Requests for resources will be submitted using the submittal form and those requests will be promulgated across the local STEM network of organizations."

"With this initiative, we hope to create a more interesting and engaging STEM program with our key audiences and partners in the years to come," added Berard.