McCrea praises local schools at STEM event

BASIL McCrea MLA praised Wallace High School, Downshire Primary School and Killowen Primary School at Sentinus’ “Young Innovators” event at the Odyssey on Tuesday June 19.

Mr McCrea said: “The work done by the older students was of a commercial standard and the younger children were having great fun with their task. The STEM sector is where future jobs will be, so it is vital that we excite young people about science. Sentinus do fantastic work in schools to do this.”

Hundreds of school children across Northern Ireland gathered at the exhibition to showcase their innovative projects in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

At the event young scientists ranging from primary and post-primary to further and higher education colleges showcased their innovative STEM projects that they had developed throughout the academic year with the support of Sentinus Ambassadors and partners in the business community.

On the day the projects were judged by over 160 industry experts. Students were also exposed to the practical application of STEM in the workplace with 30 interactive stands provided by universities and employers.

Speaking at the event Brian Campbell, Chief Executive of Sentinus, said: “In Northern Ireland there is no other organisation like Sentinus that is connecting young people with STEM in a way that leaves a lasting impact and is on a scale that will really make a difference to the NI economy. The Young Innovators Exhibition is just one way that Sentinus is actively progressing the Programme for Government by engaging schools and colleges in the STEM Agenda to help grow a grow a dynamic and innovative economy.”