When staff members Nolana Holloway and Ethan Dado received an email telling them about an upcoming student day at Microsoft, the two moved quickly to take advantage of the opportunity. The event was created to introduce students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) fields to available careers, empower them through the use of Microsoft technologies and enhance their career readiness in collaboration with Microsoft employees. For Holloway, the district’s Inclusion and Belonging Facilitator, and Dado, its Pathways Coordinator, this event encompassed the overlap of their work: encouraging each and every Eden Prairie Schools student to take an Inspired Journey of learning through hands-on, authentic learning experiences with community partners. This student day at the Microsoft Innovation Hub was an opportunity to engage students in the discovery, exploration and pursuit of their interests. Holloway and Dado had a short turnaround to invite and bring students to Microsoft. But Holloway knew students would benefit from the experience and was “ready to hop on and figure this out.”
Another email was sent: This time, to technology-centered classes and students who might be interested in the opportunity. Within a week, buses and permission slips had been acquired and 14 students were ready and excited to attend. For 12th grader Maya White, the student day was a chance to learn about how to get started in different fields as well as an opportunity to learn about the different roles available in a company like Microsoft.
Maya, who has taken several aeronautics courses at EPHS and wants to study aviation and airport management after graduating, was grateful for the experience to learn about entrepreneurship and other career paths. “I learned that it never hurts to just try something, even if you doubt yourself,” she shared. “I'm in my senior year…. Life isn't always going to stay on the straight path and might change, so understanding that there are different paths in this world in different careers was what interested me in understanding different positions that are [available at] Microsoft."
In addition to being amazed by a giant robotic dog powered by Microsoft technology, EPHS students heard from a panel of speakers in tech who were also from many traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including female technology leaders and internationally-born innovators. Students were captivated: “They had their laptops out, they were taking notes, they were completely engaged, hands were going up,” said Holloway. In fact, they were nearly late for the bus because students were asking so many questions.
For some Eagles, Microsoft Student Day was a chance to explore an interest they already had. For others, it was about discovery: seeing themselves represented in a field they might not otherwise have considered. It helped students “see themselves outside the four walls of their school,” said Holloway. “We need to be able to wrap ourselves around these students and show them that their aspirations aren’t for naught.”
- Eden Prairie High School