PBS Reno STEM Works is a digital series that is the result of a project the station produced in collaboration with DRI (Desert Research Institute) featuring local STEM careers in robotics. Their goal was to use these videos for teacher training workshops. PBS Reno realized the value in producing these digital shorts featuring businesses located in northern Nevada to teach kids about these incredible STEM professions available in their own community.
To date, PBS Reno has produced 14 unique STEM Works digital shorts. Each segment is hosted by an energetic young woman named Hana who enthusiastically describes the business and its role in STEM-related fields. Each video offers a simple yet richly-detailed look at different STEM careers within each company, how and why each person started in that career, what their path was to achieve their job and why they love it. PBS Reno has featured Google, Tesla, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Reno Orthopedic Center, NV Energy, Nevada Mining Association, ORMAT, Breadware, Wood Rodgers, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton Medical, and Carson Tahoe Health. The videos feature videography of the business inside and out, along with interviews with experts who explain what their STEM jobs are and why their work is important.
An additional benefit of PBS Reno STEM Works is workforce development, helping to ensure these critical professions and trades are embraced by future professionals. STEM Works digital shorts focus on highlighting employees who are women and people of color to spotlight a variety of voices in STEM and to ensure students of all backgrounds see themselves represented in the field. PBS Reno wants to play a role in helping women and minorities realize their potential, and bring awareness to the fact that these professions are available to them, too! PBS Reno looks forward to partnering with more local businesses to produce STEM Works digital shorts.