In classrooms around Butler County, no matter the grade level, students are spending more time getting hands-on instruction in the STEAM disciplines. Lessons focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math are incorporating classic educational concepts to teach students in a way that will allow them a deeper understanding of the topic.

The goal of this relatively recent focus is to push students toward those STEAM careers, where a new, educated workforce is in demand.

Pew Research Center data indicates jobs in these fields have grown 79 percent since 1990, accounting for 17.3 million jobs in 2016.

With the possibilities for long, sustainable careers in those fields seemingly endless, events like the ones held in Mars this week are all the more important.

As part of the borough’s Mars New Year celebrations, which coincide with the beginning of a new year on the planet Mars, scientific minds from around the country come to Butler County. Through presentations, displays and discussions, they’re able to show off the practical and fun sides of STEAM careers and discuss the array of options available to students as they consider their prospects.

Some of the visiting individuals, such as NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green, go out of their way to spend time directly with those students. Green, who joins the celebration for a third time, met with students from Butler and Allegheny counties on Friday morning to discuss his career and the importance of STEAM in both work and recreation.

As Mars New Year celebrations continue later this spring, students from around the region are being called on to participate in the Meet the Mars Challenge 2019. The event prompts students in second through eighth grades to identify a problem, challenge or need that those trying to colonize planet Mars could face and how they would solve it.

These events and opportunities go a long way not only in showing that careers in these areas are fun and challenging, but that they are also attainable and rewarding.

Hearing from individuals like Green and being given problem-solving challenges offers students a taste of something they otherwise might not know about.

We commend all involved in making Mars New Year not just a celebration, but a chance to include and educate the most valuable part of our community. Perhaps one day, a Butler County student will return for the celebration to share the next big scientific breakthrough and inspire a new generation of eager students.