Connecting Seventh-Grade Students to Real-World STEM Careers Through Industry Collaboration
May 27, 2025Nashua, N.H. – May 2025 – Learning Blade, a leading STEM career awareness platform for grades 5–9, is collaborating with the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program and BlueForge Alliance (BFA) to inspire the next generation of maritime manufacturing professionals. As part of this collaboration, these organizations have connected Walter S. Parker Middle School with Granite State Manufacturing (GSM) in New Hampshire to provide students an exclusive tour of the manufacturing facilities.
Carrie Curtis, Ph.D., Education Initiatives Lead for the MIB Program said, “Engaging students in hands-on STEM experiences is critical to building the future workforce that will sustain and advance our nation’s maritime capabilities. Opportunities like this provide young minds with a direct connection to the real-world impact of STEM careers, helping to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
These seventh-grade students gained first-hand insights into the advanced manufacturing and engineering processes that drive modern industry. The field trip was designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, inspiring students to explore potential careers in STEM. Through a guided tour and discussions with GSM professionals, students learned about precision manufacturing, cutting-edge technology, and the diverse career pathways available in the industry.
“This experience provides our students with a unique opportunity to see the principles we teach in the classroom applied in a real-world setting,” said Robyn Cotta, science teacher at Walter S. Parker Middle School. “By engaging with industry professionals and seeing STEM in action, students gain a deeper understanding of how these fields impact everyday life and future career opportunities.”
GSM, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, welcomed the students and provided an inside look at how they contribute to industries such as defense, aerospace, and medical technology. By opening their doors to young learners, GSM aims to foster interest in STEM fields and help cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals.
The exposure between students, facilities, and professionals highlights the importance of hands-on learning experiences in inspiring future STEM leaders. By connecting education with industry, these collaborations play a crucial role in preparing students for the evolving workforce and encouraging them to pursue STEM-related careers. In addition to this field trip, Walter S. Parker Middle School has partnered with Learning Blade to provide additional opportunities for out-of-classroom learning.
“At eDynamic Learning, we are committed to providing students with meaningful, real-world experiences that spark interest in STEM careers. Industry partnerships like this one allow students to see firsthand how the skills they develop in the classroom translate into impactful careers in advanced manufacturing and beyond,” stated Jerry Wooden, CEO of eDynamic Learning, parent company of Learning Blade.