Kentridge High student earns STEM Signing Day recognition

A Kentridge High School student was one of 39 students selected for the third annual Washington Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Signing Day.

Yaffet Bedru plans to attend the University of Washington and pursue a degree in aerospace engineering. Students were recognized June 15-17 during a virtual campaign.

Students shared videos of themselves talking about why STEM education is so important to them, and the careers they plan to pursue, while unpacking special ‘celebration boxes’ sent by Washington STEM and Boeing.

Each student was selected based on his or her involvement in STEM education in high school, and their community involvement. Similar to how student-athletes receive accolades when they sign letters of intent to play a sport at their selected universities and colleges, STEM Signing Day celebrates these students as they sign letters of intent outlining their commitment to pursue STEM educations and careers.

“We are thrilled to put a spotlight on Washington students,” said Angela Jones, CEO at Washington STEM. “Over the past year, the graduating class of 2020 has dealt with challenge after challenge, and yet they remain committed to their futures. The pursuit of STEM has and will continue to set Washington students on a path towards opportunity and family-wage jobs in every corner of our state.”

“These students deserve to be recognized and celebrated for the years of work and dedication they’ve put into their studies, and their commitment to continue to pursue a STEM education and career,” said Bill McSherry, vice president of Government Operations at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are excited for them to take the next step in their STEM journey and know they will be the leaders and problem-solvers of the future.”