STEM University helps young people learn

There have been numerous advances in technology and science in our lifetimes. It wasn't long ago that smartphones were new. Today, many people rely on the devices to help get work done. Science and medicine continue to grow, and the importance of math and engineering skills should continue.

On Jan. 4 about 200 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts attended STEM University at Southeast Missouri State University. During the day the scouts learned about many things in STEM fields. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The scout program is in partnership with Southeast Missouri State and the University of Missouri St. Louis.

The activities at the Cape Girardeau program focused on technology. The scouts worked on their merit badges.

A few of the students shared with the Southeast Missourian their excitement about the activities. This was good to hear.

While the advances in STEM fields have been major, it's clear that these fields will play an important role in the future. According to a news release from the Boy Scouts' Greater St. Louis Area Council, it's estimated that Missouri could fill 100,000 STEM-related positions by 2018.

It is hopeful that having young people excited about these fields of study leads to more interest as they advance in school and consider post-high school training.

Congratulations to the scouts, university and volunteers on a successful event.