Math Brain Game
“ All Volusia ’ s STEM programs work collaboratively with YouScience and the Daytona Chamber as well as Career Source and businesses , especially through the collaboration with VMA ( Volusia Manufacturers Association ). We are continuously working on what the needs of the region are and how we can make sure our students are ready to join our workforce ,” said Monahan .
End screen of Brain Game
Shayla Babcock , an incoming DeLand High School junior , was among hundreds of students in the Volusia County school district to participate in the YouScience program during the 2021-22 school year .
Babcock was intrigued by the results provided by the tests , which she says helped her identify new career options .
“ There were some careers [ that surfaced that ] I ’ d been thinking about , but there were others I had never thought about . Being a geneticist – that sounds kinda cool ,” she said , sharing the results . “ Engineering ... I hadn ’ t really thought about it , but I guess it is an option [ too ].”
Babcock says the results have been a confidence booster , as well . “ It ’ s given me assurance - yes , I ’ m good at these things , she said .
As the program enters its second school year in Volusia County , Babcock hopes the school district and region ’ s colleges will tap into the opportunities to engage students by offering job fairs , internships and additional guidance counseling for the middle school students , based on results .
“[ Now it ’ s about ] taking this and putting it into the real world . Giving students hands-on experience where they can talk to people in the actual fields , and maybe sign up for internships , sign up for things now and see if this is really for them ,” she said .
Return on Investment – Talent Pipeline of the Future
Spearheading the program ’ s entrée into the school district during the 2021-22 academic year , Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Resource Development Ken Phelps says YouScience Discovery has been a valuable tool for the 11,526 students who participated this school year , providing an avenue for them to discover their natural abilities and innate skills . The program will also serve a long-term dual-purpose , matching regional employers ’ needed skill sets to prospective employees via the YouScience Employer Connections Portal .
“ The mission of the Daytona Regional Chamber is to foster a strong economic and business environment through which our membership and the entire business community can thrive . One of the critical components of a successful , thriving community is a deep and talented pipeline of current and future employees ,” said Phelps , set to build private and corporate backing for the initiative to support the ongoing program .
Backpack to Business
YouScience is just one of the initiatives connecting students to future employment opportunities , and during the Career and Technical Education ( CTE ) Soft Skills Youth Summit , hosted by Volusia County Schools and the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce , students were introduced to industry partners , rotating between each one with a focus on a specific soft skill .
“ The event was incredibly successful ,” recalls Castelli . “ We are looking to expand with more industry partners for 22-23 .”
CTE Specialist Dr . Kristin Pierce says the integration of soft skills training into technical and academic education is vital to the employability and success of Volusia County students , and exposure to training opportunities provided by local employers helps build those skills .
Ken Phelps
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