In an inspiring educational initiative, middle school students in Colorado recently participated in an immersive STEM Futures Day that brought healthcare professionals directly into their classrooms. The event, held on February 18 at Homestake Peak School in Eagle-Vail, Colorado, represents a significant collaborative effort to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among young learners.
Expanding Educational Outreach
The Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), through its Education and Public Outreach Committee (EPOC) program, has been working to ignite STEM interest among youth for years. Founded in 2012 by Senenne Philippon, EPOC has expanded its reach to 38 schools across seven Colorado counties, exposing more than 5,400 students to its educational programs. This latest initiative specifically targets middle school students at a crucial developmental stage.
"Introducing students to STEM at a younger age can change the trajectory of their education and their future careers," emphasized Dan Drawbaugh, CEO of SPRI. "This new futures course expands that impact by reaching middle-schoolers at a moment when curiosity and career awareness begin to take shape."
Hands-On Learning Experience
During STEM Futures Day, orthopaedic surgeons, fellows, athletic trainers, researchers, physical therapists, and technicians transformed eighth-grade classrooms into interactive learning environments. Students engaged directly with healthcare professionals through unique, hands-on activities designed to demonstrate real-world applications of STEM principles.
The program was co-sponsored by SPRI, The Steadman Clinic, BONE Academy, and Vail Health, creating a comprehensive educational partnership. Drawbaugh expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that "these programs have become an essential community offering, with many students pursuing medical and scientific careers right here at home."
BONE Academy Partnership
A key component of the event involved BONE Academy, founded in 2022 by current SPRI Sports Medicine Fellow Dr. Brendon Mitchell and his wife Cara, an educator. The organization's mission focuses on empowering students to envision themselves within orthopaedic healthcare teams by introducing various career pathways in orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal health.
"We originally designed the program with two local San Diego high schools that were in communities with limited access to healthcare," explained Dr. Mitchell. "We shaped the program based on gaps that we experienced in these communities, as well as the needs articulated by teachers, parents, and administrators within those schools."
BONE Academy has since expanded to chapters in six cities across the country. Dr. Mitchell expressed enthusiasm about partnering with EPOC, stating, "We are thrilled to have partnered with EPOC for STEM Futures Day because of its longstanding commitment to education and outreach within the Vail Valley and beyond."
Building Future Pathways
The collaborative event represents more than just a single day of learning—it establishes foundations for future educational opportunities. By exposing middle school students to diverse STEM careers through direct interaction with professionals, organizers hope to inspire the next generation of medical and scientific leaders.
This initiative demonstrates how community partnerships between research institutions, healthcare providers, and educational organizations can create meaningful learning experiences that bridge classroom education with real-world career possibilities. As STEM education continues to evolve, programs like STEM Futures Day provide crucial early exposure that can shape students' academic and professional trajectories for years to come.
