Hultgren Encourages High School Students to Pursue Manufacturing, STEM Skills and Careers

Press Release

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), co-chair of the House STEM Education Caucus, this week encouraged high school students at Central High School in Burlington and at Oswego High School, and homeschooling students to stay focused in school and become more aware of great jobs and careers available in Illinois' manufacturing sector for those with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) skills as he joined local manufacturers and hosted students at a local science museum.

"There is a wide open world of career opportunities in manufacturing and STEM fields right here in the 14th District, but many high school students don't know about them or haven't been shown a vision of what their future could be like," said Rep. Hultgren. "I'd like to thank Bison Gear for participating in the Manufacture Your Future initiative to show students real life examples of fulfilling and well-paying careers. Bison parts are found in everything from ice machines to manufacturing plants. Seeing how the shop floor functioned alongside those students reminded me again that for many, college isn't on the horizon for them, and there are great alternatives to a four-year degree.

"I also want to thank Arlene Hawks at SciTech in Aurora whose museum helps inspire kids to dream big about the job possibilities within STEM fields. SciTech hosts 100,000 visitors every year and offers free admission to kids on Super SciTech Saturdays so they can participate in STEM-related activities. They also host FIRST robotics competitions annually. I was glad to congratulate Jake Cirino, the 14th District House App Contest winner, whose inventiveness demonstrates what our next generation of science and technology-focused innovators can offer."

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