WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently participated in Bring a Child to Work Day at the Pentagon. With thousands in attendance, diverse families from all walks of life were introduced to the exciting and innovative research and development projects and programs conducted at ERDC.
“Any time we can tell the ERDC story, especially somewhere like the Pentagon, it’s a win for our organization,” said Speler Montgomery, mathematician and talent acquisition program manager for the ERDC’s Directorate of Human Capital. “I had some parents ask if we were hiring. It’s not only a time to tell children who we are, but it’s also a time to tell their parents.”
The theme for this year’s event, “Inspire 2 Aspire,” encourages the mindset that children can choose their own future. The hope is that the children who participate in the day’s activities will be able to see the potential for their future.
“I think that ERDC’s presence at this event allowed us to tell the ERDC story to the next generation of scientist and engineers,” said Montgomery.
Throughout the day, participants were given a glimpse into what a career with ERDC might look like, sparking imagination for their future and introducing a younger generation to jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Multiple children of all ages expressed interest in one day becoming an engineer, mathematician or scientist and were excited to learn how ERDC could be a possible choice for fulfilling their dream in STEM. They were also able to learn about potential internships, camps and educational programs that ERDC offers.
“Kids were excited to know that they can turn their love for math and science into a career at a place like ERDC,” said Montgomery. “It was great to see their faces light up when we told them all the cool things we do here. Many older students were interested in our student internships.”