CENTRE– Centre Middle School students Clara Foshee and Rylee Wells have earned spots in a national STEM leadership program this summer.

The seventh-grade students will attend the National Youth Leadership Forum Explore STEM program at Vanderbilt University. The program will bring students from across the country to Nashville, Tennessee.

https://www.envisionexperience.com/locations/vanderbilt-university

Their fifth-grade science teacher, Amanda Harkins, nominated them for the opportunity. Both students received recognition for their academic success, leadership skills and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Hands-On STEM Learning

Envision by WorldStrides offers the NYLF Explore STEM program. It gives students a chance to study their interests beyond the classroom.

During the program, Foshee and Wells will take part in hands-on learning activities. They will also explore careers connected to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In addition, students will work through real-world problems and group projects. Those activities aim to build leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Participants will work with students from many cities and schools. As a result, they will hear new ideas while learning how to develop solutions as a team.

Dr. Jan Sikorsky, vice president of education for Envision, said the program allows students to learn through direct experience.

“I am excited for Clara and Rylee to meet, work, and collaborate with fellow high-aspiring students from other cities and schools,” Sikorsky said.

According to Sikorsky, NYLF Explore STEM helps young students explore their interests outside the classroom. Moreover, the program encourages students to think in creative ways.

Students face real-world problems during the program. Then, they work together to create projects and find possible solutions.

Sikorsky said those experiences can help bring students’ academic and career interests to life.

Clara Foshee

Clara Foshee is the daughter of Ben and Mackenzie Foshee of Leesburg. She and her family attend Shiloh Baptist Church in Leesburg.

At Centre Middle School, Foshee takes part in the gifted education program. She also serves as a peer helper and participates on the leadership council.

In addition, Foshee is an active 4-H member. She has earned Academic Excellence recognition as a straight-A student.

Outside the classroom, she stays active through cheerleading, gymnastics and basketball. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Meanwhile, her other interests include reading and baking. Foshee also enjoys exploring new ideas and learning how things work.

Her interest in discovery goes beyond a single school subject. Instead, she enjoys learning new things and finding answers to questions.

Rylee Wells

Rylee Wells is the daughter of Shane and Ashley Wells of Centre. She and her family attend Mt. Zion Church in Gaylesville.

Like Foshee, Wells is a straight-A student. She also participates in Centre Middle School’s gifted education program.

Wells has a strong interest in space. In fact, she enjoys studying the subject with her father, who shares that interest.

She also likes adventure and discovering how things work. At the same time, Wells enjoys tumbling, cheer and spending time with family and friends.

Another favorite activity is playing with her dachshund, Sabyn.

Although Wells enjoys many traditionally girly interests, she also likes exploring new ideas. Her curiosity and strong academic record helped lead to her selection for the program.

National Opportunity

The program will give Foshee and Wells a chance to learn in a university setting. It will also introduce them to students with similar goals and interests.

Furthermore, the experience will allow them to explore possible careers while building skills they can use in school.

Their selection reflects their work inside and outside the classroom. It also highlights their leadership potential and interest in STEM subjects.

About Envision by WorldStrides

https://www.envisionexperience.com/

Envision by WorldStrides has provided student programs for more than 40 years. Its programs help students discover interests, explore careers and consider how they can make a positive difference.

In 2018, Envision became part of the WorldStrides family.

WorldStrides provides educational travel and learning experiences across the United States. Each year, the organization works with more than 50,000 educators.

Through those partnerships, WorldStrides serves more than 550,000 students each year. Its programs aim to help students see the world and their own abilities in new ways.