Supporting STEM education sets foundation for future workforce

Middle school. It’s a time of vast change, expanding responsibility and a bit more independence. Although these kids may not be planning their future careers yet, it’s the perfect time to inspire curiosity about the world and how to address upcoming challenges. Middle school is also a great time for students to develop foundational skills for future success – for themselves, and the communities in which they live. STEM education – which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics – is an effective way to build that foundation.

STEM activities build essential skills in students that are not only useful in school and post-secondary education, but also in any career. The ability to think critically to solve a problem, then have the flexibility to pivot and adapt when challenges are encountered fosters creativity, collaboration and communication.

The classroom education and hands-on activities also expose students to a vast number of potential careers and can ignite a spark in pursuing a future in a STEM-related field such as computer network architecture, engineering, environmental science or healthcare.

When considering estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that employment in STEM careers will grow at 10.4% through 2033 – nearly three times the rate of non-STEM occupations – with a median wage over $100,000 annually, twice that of non-STEM occupations, the need for STEM exposure is apparent – and attractive.

Across our region, there are multiple programs and opportunities aimed at teaching the STEM mindset of thinking like a problem solver and developing an array of skills to find effective solutions. Knox County Schools offers extensive STEM programming, and four schools hold the Tennessee STEM School Designation.

Future City Competition

DiscoverE is a global nonprofit supporting STEM initiatives, and its Future City program is specifically focused on bringing STEM to life for middle schoolers. Each year, the Future City Competition engages more than 67,000 students to work to find solutions for sustainability issues, including at an annual event in Knoxville.

The competition challenges middle school students to imagine, create and build cities of the future. The students must build projects from completely recycled materials and spend no more than $100. Students work through the fall to develop a plan, draft an essay and build their city, then prepare for a seven-minute presentation and question-and-answer session.

Local teams compete each January in Knoxville, with the winner of that competition advancing to the national competition in Washington, D.C., in February. The 2025 theme was “Above the Current,” and students were tasked with building floating cities that keep its citizens healthy and safe.

At LDA Engineering, we have sponsored and coordinated the regional event for the last eight years because we are passionate about encouraging the next generation of problem-solvers. Our team members volunteer to mentor student teams and help judge projects during the competition. We are honored to work with these middle schoolers and hopefully ignite a spark for the engineering process, whether it’s used to address problems across the globe or to create the perfect bechamel sauce for their homemade lasagna.

Technology is always evolving. It means that – even as adults – we must be constant learners to figure out new and better ways to solve problems. That’s what we do at LDA, whether it’s finding ways to expand the regional fiber network or designing infrastructure that improves accessibility.

We must be on the front lines of furthering STEM education to build the critical thinkers of tomorrow and ensure that we continue to inspire kids to pursue STEM careers as the demand within these fields grows.

Play golf, support STEM

The firm is also the presenting sponsor of the Future City Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament supports Future City Competition teams and the Knoxville regional event. That support removes financial barriers for students, so these sixth, seventh, and eighth graders don’t have costs to compete. 

Now in its second year, Future City Golf Tournament welcomes sponsors and players for the 2025 event to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. The tournament has sponsorship levels starting at $200, with player entry fees of $125 per person or $500 per team.

A shotgun start is held at 8:30 a.m. with lunch, awards and prizes at 1 p.m. If you’re interested in playing or supporting Future City Golf Tournament Presented by LDA Engineering, visit https://futurecitytn.org/.

About the author
Brenna Gossett serves as regional coordinator for Future City, providing development, event management, communications and educational outreach for the annual competition. Gossett is also business manager for LDA Engineering.

About LDA Engineering

For 40 years, LDA Engineering has worked to build stronger, happier communities through sustainable, creative and economic infrastructure solutions. The employee-owned civil engineering firm supports private companies, municipalities and contractors across the Southeast, with offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, Nashville, Memphis and Charlotte. Through its LDA Services division, the company provides cutting-edge geomatics and surveying services and B2B contract implementation. The LDA Fiber division develops high-speed fiber systems for telecommunications and infrastructure clients to meet the need of public and private investments to expand the reach of dependable, high-speed internet. For more information about LDA Engineering’s community-first culture and services, visit LDAinc.com.