Exploring STEM Careers, One Jam Session at a Time
Throughout the month of April, YWCA Boulder County wrapped up a powerful series of STEM E3 Jam Sessions—interactive field trips designed to expose local students to real-world careers in science, tech, engineering, and math. We were thrilled to partner with Google, Hologic, and Veolia Water Technologies to create three unforgettable days of hands-on learning, inspiring conversations, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Hologic Jam Session – April 18
Our first Jam Session of the month took place at Hologic, a medical technology company focused on advancing women’s health. Students joined us to explore biomedical engineering in action. They toured the 3D printing lab, where they learned how 3D printing works and interacted with real products made by the printers. Next, they visited the wet lab and tried their hands at simulated surgery using a medical device. Hologic staff walked students through how these tools support women’s healthcare. The day wrapped up with a collaborative bridge-building challenge that tested students’ creativity, teamwork, and engineering skills. It was an incredible experience that gave students a firsthand look at careers in biomedical engineering and what it takes to thrive in the field.
Google Jam Session – April 21
Next, we visited Google, where students explored the fast-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through interactive activities and deep conversations, we explored how AI is changing the job market and what its future might hold. One major takeaway was that not everyone at Google is a software engineer or coder. Students heard from employees in roles such as project management, design, and marketing, reinforcing that technology companies need a wide range of skills. The highlight of the day was a guided tour of Google’s vibrant workspace. From collaborative lounges to state-of-the-art labs, students got a glimpse of where innovation happens and what it’s like to be part of a global tech leader.
Veolia Water Technologies Jam Session – April 28
We wrapped up the month at Veolia Water Technologies, where participants explored how science is used to ensure clean, safe water in industries around the world. Students conducted Total Organic Carbon (TOC) testing using Sievers Instruments, measuring the amount of organic compounds in water, a key indicator of water quality in both environmental and industrial settings. They also participated in bioburden testing, where they tested random objects like phones and pens for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Through this activity, students learned how scientists extract microbes from a surface, grow them on culture media, and count the resulting colonies (CFUs) to assess contamination levels, an essential process in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The session concluded with a panel discussion with women working at Veolia in engineering, chemistry, and marketing, helping students understand the wide range of careers available in STEM fields.
Read more about our STEM E3 program.