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Putting Others on the STEM Career Path

Employment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related fields is growing at twice the rate of growth in other areas, with millions of jobs predicted to open over the next decade. Perhaps more important, these fields will fuel the innovation which will be the hallmark of the near future, and those who can navigate these areas will chart the course for the rest of humanity. FVSU student Alexander Lowe wants to ensure that everyone has access to those opportunities.

Lowe may be a first-year Cooperative Developmental Energy Program scholar at FVSU, but he's making a difference already. The Covington, Georgia native has already received two $5,000 grants through the Ford Next Generation Learning National STEAM Competition to help expand education and career opportunities to the Newton County community. Lowe and his team also received a school bus from the Newton County School System, and are outfitting it with computers, printers, and other technology. When completed, the bus will be taken on the road to help expose the county's residents to STEM careers by providing information on career paths and counselors who can help with resume development. He hopes to venture into neighborhoods, plants, and other areas where people aren't usually recruited for STEM jobs and make them aware of their options in the fields. Lowe believes that using research to create projects like his can help change the world.

"The opportunities presented to individuals can decrease the poverty rate, increase literacy, and build a deeply connected community," said Lowe. "I am a man of science as well as faith. I believe research is what leads the process of moving society forward."

He has been able to maintain a 4.0 grade point average while participating fully in a range of leadership and co-curricular activities. He is a Student Government Association student senator, and a member of the pep squad and Gospel Choir. At FVSU, he's learned time management and how to believe in himself. Since he arrived, he considers himself stronger, both mentally and spiritually.

"I'm still growing, but FVSU has prepared me to network, and more importantly, to be confident and forthcoming with my goals," he said. "I know when I leave this university I can present myself to any individual and express my ambitions and hold a conversation."

His ambitions are none too small. He wants to become an engineer first, but then ultimately become president of the United States. Along the way, he wants to change education as we know it. He plans to graduate with a degree in mathematics and then pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. FVSU, he said, is empowering him to reach his goals.

"Life is exactly what you make it out to be," he said. "You are now responsible for the person you want to be and what you want to accomplish. Through my time here, I've been given several opportunities to take advantage of so I believe there is something here for almost everyone. Either way, take ownership of your life and shift to where you feel called to be. Don't give up and don't step back. Give to others and step into your path!"

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