ECHS

This program is for high school students who have interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding and/or careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). More specifically, the program is designed for mentoring and encouragement to prepare students for STEM-rich programs at universities, two- year technical colleges, and technical certificate programs. By participating in WIT, students gain exposure to higher education and career opportunities while building the confidence to consider further STEM education.

The bracelet is made of leather and stainless steel. Being that we are training for the workforce, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the history of these two materials as it applies to us and moving forward for our future. Leather has been in use for thousands of years. It was once used primarily for clothing and was also incorporated in to different types of tools. It was used in different types of old fashioned industries such as in saddles for horses or the reins for an ox pulling a plow. Leather is used for gloves and boots as a means of modern protection. Leather represents something that is durable, but also incredibly adaptable. Leather is something that has stood the test of time. The Egyptians were using leather in 5000 B.C. and here we are today, in 2018, and it is still a vital part of our culture. Fellow students, when you see the leather of your bracelet, I want you to remember that you, as a person, must be durable and flexible. While things in life might not go as planned, you can be durable and flexible and like the leather of your band, you can get through it.

Steel is a combination of the elements iron and carbon and contains small amounts of other elements. This mixture has also withstood the test of time. It revolutionized our country as we transitioned from primarily wood to steel in the early 1800’s as we began the industrial revolution. It was used to build the railroad, improve our shipping vessels, build bridges, and to build structures like the sky scrapers we see today. Steel is designed to tough, yet moldable and adaptable. Made up of elements that by themselves are weak, when put together, they are strong. So, my fellow students, when you see the steel of your bracelet that is inscribed with WIT ECHS, remember that you also need to be moldable, and that sometimes by yourself you may falter, but together, with others, you can be strong.

The Workforce Industry Training (WIT) program is funded and supported by the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), a joint center of Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).