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Through a series of opportunities as an apprentice with the Army Educational Outreach Program, Colin Vo, a third-year computer engineering student at Rochester Institute of Technology, is able to live out a dream he’s had since childhood. It allowed him to gain experience as a civilian working for the Department of Defense in a job that complements his field of study and provides a guaranteed full-time position after graduation.

Held on Nov. 11, Shadow Day welcomed 23 STEP students from various schools across Monroe County who registered to be part of the one-day, all-immersive experience that allowed them to visit classrooms on RIT’s campus, be paired with a student mentor, and learn more about college majors and programs that interest them in STEM – or STEAM – fields of study.

For staff of the Army Educational Outreach Program’s apprenticeships and fellowships, attending conferences is about being immersed in various communities to see how the program can support already-incredible STEM innovators and those aspiring to make a difference with the work they’re passionate about. The U.S. Army-funded program is based at the K-12 University Center at Rochester Institute of Technology.

The K-12 University Center at Rochester Institute of Technology was nominated for the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for supporting members of the armed forces who serve or who have served in the guard or reserve. According to the award website, it is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers.