Bridgehampton STEAM Day

High schoolers in Bridgehampton may be one step closer to answering the age-old question that students invariably ask: “Why am I learning this?”

The school hosted a STEAM day on Tuesday — that is, a day dedicated to showcasing careers that often stem from STEAM subjects, namely, science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Businesses from across Long Island set up stations in the school gym, and 9th through 12th graders were given 20 minutes with representatives from each company to discuss how pursuing one or more of these subjects can eventually result in jobs, or even being career-ready by graduation time. 

A representative of Stott Architecture in Southampton discussed how all five STEAM subjects are utilized in the work they do there. Someone from Harbor Hot Tubs, also in Southampton, talked about how a knowledge of science — particularly water chemistry — and technology is useful in that trade. 

Eve Behar, a Sag Harbor ceramist and past president of the Clay Art Guild of the Hamptons, spoke about careers in the arts. Other businesses included Staples of Bridgehampton, Bridge Abstract, a title service for residential and commercial projects, Suburban Propane, Home Technology Experts, which provides luxury audio-video and smart home solutions, and Bridgehampton National Bank. 

“What a great preparation for 21st- century work-force readiness skills, necessary for success in the real world,” said Lisa M. Strahs-Lorenc, the director of school-business partnership programs at Career and Employment Options, a Hauppauge career-finding enterprise. “Our students need to learn about the relevance of their education, and Long Island companies need to connect to these students. They are our investment and success of our business growth and future.”