STEM Goes Red visits UNG

On March 21, the University of North Georgia (UNG) partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) for the first time to bring the organization's STEM Goes Red event to UNG's Gainesville Campus.  

The event, initially intended for March 2020 but canceled due to COVID-19, provided more than 100 high school girls insights into the possibilities they possess in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. It is part of the AHA's Go Red for Women movement, which was started to raise awareness and educate women about the risks and prevention of heart disease and stroke. 

Bobbi Larson, UNG director of economic development and community engagement, and Shannon Shockley, administrative assistant to vice president of regional campuses, worked to bring the event to life with AHA Regional Director Julie Ann Hamilton, who shared she wants the students to realize their potential. 

"I hope they left knowing they can be anything they want to be if they put their mind to it and work hard," Hamilton said. " Setting goals now and working toward those goals ensures their future success." 

The students, totaling 84 in number, came from Gainesville High, North Hall High, West Hall High, Johnson High, Flowery Branch High, Cherokee Bluff High, Chestatee High, East Hall High, and Lanier College and Career Academy. 

Their day started at 9:20 a.m. with an opening session, followed by breakout sessions with UNG faculty from the Mike Cottrell College of Business, College of Education, College of Health Sciences and Professions, and the College of Science & Mathematics. 

Lunch was provided and there was also a speed mentoring session that featured UNG faculty like Dr. Ellen Best, department head of accounting and law and associate professor, who shared that nearly 75% of the certified public accountant (CPA) workforce met the retirement age in 2020, highlighting the growing need for accountants globally. 

"I want these students to know accounting is a path they can take," Best said. "It's the kind of career that if you set yourself on the right path up front, you can get really far really fast." 

There are two national bills currently that are pushing for the profession to be considered STEM as it's a technological-heavy field. Many CPAs are also data analysts, and the Atlanta market allows for accounting-related graduates in certain industries to begin their careers in the six-figure range or reach that range within several years.   

Larson believes this and the other moments from the day highlight UNG's initiative to not only supercharge workforce development, but also integrate and expand the STEM value proposition. 

"Today, STEM is health care and every industry. STEM education is the foundation for innovation and plays a crucial role in equipping students with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to tackle complex challenges and contribute to an ever-changing world," Larson said.