PIKE COUNTY, INDIANA – What happens is the blue, Lego looking building off of I-69 in Petersburg? The Lego building is known as the Elmer Buchta Technology Center that is managed through Pike County Economic Development Corporation. The Buchta Technology Center is the workforce development pillar of economic development in Pike County. Every year they host multiple STEM camps for the youth, and they have a lot of fun! STEM is a hands-on learning opportunity that sparks innovation in youth focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Three four-day camps are offered to Pike County students entering grades 3-8.
During the camps, students will learn fun and engaging ways that STEM can be used in real-world applications. The Manager at the Elmer Buchta Technology Center said, “offering camps that focus on STEM is not just about learning. It is also about teamwork and creativity. The skills they learn will be able to be used in any career path they chose in the future. We are building a long-term talent pipeline with our youth.”
With the guidance of experienced instructors from local Pike County schools, students will gain practical problem-solving knowledge and obtain a greater awareness of career opportunities in the STEM workforce. This will hopefully encourage the participates to explore STEM fields and return as adults to Pike County where they can apply their to better expand our community.
Many community partners are supporting the program to allow us to offer the camps at a reduced price to ensure access to more families. Thank you for our supporting partners: Arevon, Next Era Energy, RipCo Ltd., Sisson Steel, Jasper Engines, Stella-Jones, Petersburg Hardware, Casey’s, WIN Energy REMC, Premier Property Management, and Calorita.
The Elmer Buchta Technology Center is a non-profit organization that supports regional workforce development and innovation by providing accessible training, co-working space, maker space resources, and entrepreneurship support for students, job seekers, and business leaders. For more information contact Trista Miller at tmiller@buchtatech.com.
