Virtual learning reigned supreme this year, forcing many teachers to rethink their education strategy and encourage students worldwide to adapt to an entirely new way of learning. Without in-person instruction, educators sought out virtual learning programs that could give their students the opportunity to participate in online activities to help shape their future.
For learners looking to pursue a future in the STEM industry, MFF’s hit film Dream Big: Engineering Our World continued to play a role as a leading source of inspiration. The film was the centerpiece of a new nationwide program launched on November 4 in honor of National STEM Day by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and STAR Library Network with support from the National Science Foundation.
Called “Dream, Build, Create,” the program featured four live screening events for libraries and ASCE members free of charge. Participants could stream Dream Big and then attend one of six virtual programs hosted by “Dream Teams,” which consisted of young and diverse engineers available to answer questions and share their personal stories about what inspired them to make a positive difference in the world.
The three main engineers featured in Dream Big participated in the virtual events: Menzer Pehlivan, Angelica Hernandez, and Avery Bang. Dream Team topics included Cities of the Future, Women in Engineering, Black Engineers, and even a Spanish-language Dream Team, El Futuro se Diseña (The Future is Designed).
These Dream Big events aimed to celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world, increase public dialogue about the need for engineers, and bring engineering to life for kids, educators and parents.
“Dream Big does a really good job of showing what engineers can be and what they can achieve. It’s extremely rewarding to know that you can make an impact in someone’s life,” shared Fernando Ceballos, a project manager at Pape-Dawson Engineers in Plano, Texas, and a longtime devoted outreach champion.
As long as there are dreamers in the world, Dream Big and its advocates will continue their pursuit to educate and inspire the young minds of tomorrow.
