Nearly 1,300 students from Lowndes, Brooks, and Echols counties recently discovered the life-changing power of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics at Valdosta State University.
 
VSU’s STEAM Center for Applied Creativity and Innovation invited the elementary and middle school students and their teachers to a special Georgia Theatre Ensemble performance of the curriculum-driven, one-hour play “STEAM Team.” Written by Topher Payne and directed by Laurel Crowe, the production centered around five neighborhood friends who join forces and use their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to help a friend in need, forever changing their neighborhood. The play also emphasized the importance of project learning, as well as anti-bullying and social change efforts.
 
“STEM fields are among the fastest growing in job opportunities, so we must do all we are able at VSU to introduce the educational value of an excellent STEM background,” said Dr. Brian Gerber, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Further, employers are increasingly seeking people who are able to problem-solve, be creative and innovative thinkers, and respect the ideas of others. This is where the arts come in for STEAM. As an intellectual leader of this region, it is important for VSU to partner with the community and provide opportunities to hear this important message.”
 
Throughout the Spring 2017 semester, VSU faculty, staff, and students will continue to offer innovative and creative learning events designed to increase student interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while also demonstrating how art plays a central role in driving innovation. This includes a number of year-round community favorites, like Science Saturday and the Planetarium.