Kinston Free Press
As the local economy — specifically, industrial growth — expands toward levels not seen in 50 years, Lenoir County Economic Director Mark Pope believes an important part of the plan has to be presenting students with information about career opportunities.
“We’ve moved ourselves from a very agrarian and textile-based (economy) since the 1980s,” he said. “We’ve done that a lot in the last six or seven years … our goal is to pool our labor force from our youth.”
Tuesday, a student exploratory council, consisting of 16 high school students from Arendell Parrott Academy, Kinston, North Lenoir and South Lenoir, met with local business leaders to get a better understanding of jobs in Lenoir County, as well as the importance of STEM — the state’s initiative to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Steve Hill, STEM education director, said the two-hour discussion was to give some of the brightest students in the county insight on the program’s goals.
“We’re starting to see a decline in the number of people qualified for STEM jobs,” he said. “It’s not science class, it’s not math class, it’s not sitting in front of a computer, it is the process of combining all of these things to make you a well-rounded person.”
Hill acknowledged the disconnect between students and opportunities in Lenoir County. He added industries and the schools must work together to promote career exploration.
The session, which was facilitated by STEM advocate and local retired businessman Earl Harper, provided the students an opportunity to discuss their passions and how they are influenced by science, technology, engineering and math. He also questioned their intentions after college — specifically, returning to Lenoir County.
Preston Dildy, a sophomore at North Lenoir, said he has a connection to the community and hopes to return. However, not all the students agreed.
Many listed experiencing new cultures, foods and even a new climate as reasons they would explore other options.
John Exum, process technician at Sprit AeroSystems, came back to Kinston after living in Europe.
“I came back here because there was an opportunity,” Exum said. “I’ve been to France and Germany, I enjoy other cultures. … I applied for a million jobs and then I was hired by Spirit.”
Rita Joyner, Section Chief for the N.C. Weatherization Assistance said when she graduated from N.C. A&T, she never thought she would be back in Kinston.
“I am a product of Lenoir County through-and-through,” the mechanical engineer said. “When I graduated from (A&T), I said anywhere but North Carolina. But I came back because I wanted to help realize the dream I had as a STEM person. I was born STEM.”
Hill said he plans on working with the schools to continue working with the exploratory council and added he hopes more industry/school relationships can be fostered.
Justin Hill can be reached at 252-559-1078 or jhill@freedomenc.com.