When I first joined KCI as a co-op student through the Lehigh University program, I never imagined the journey it would lead me on.
From starting in water and wastewater, to earning my master’s in environmental remediation, to eventually becoming a practice leader at the firm, my career path has taken a few turns, but each one has deepened my connection to STEM. That’s why, when I was asked if I’d be interested in mentoring for the P-TECH program, it felt like the perfect opportunity to give back to a field that’s given me so much.
P-TECH, which stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School, is a unique initiative aimed at preparing students for careers in STEM. At KCI, we’ve been involved in the program for several years, attending quarterly sessions with students from Dundalk High School. Each session brings together professionals and a diverse group of students for a few hours on a Friday to tackle design-build challenges, like constructing a straw bridge that can hold textbooks within specific parameters. It’s a chance to work side-by-side with students, answer their questions, and help them explore what a future in STEM might look like. Other industry partners also participate, and students benefit from the variety of insight they can gain with these companies.
During our time together, I’m usually assigned to a table with about four students. We start with an icebreaker and then dive into the challenge. It’s always a different group of students, which keeps it fresh and engaging. The hardest part is often getting them to open up, as many are still figuring out what STEM even means in real life, but once they realize that I was once in their shoes, the connection clicks. We talk about their interests, career goals, and how STEM can take them in directions they hadn’t considered. I’ve even hosted a couple of students for internships in our practice, giving them the chance to review reports and visit a field site, a real-world experience that goes beyond the classroom.
What strikes me most is how much I see myself in these students—the curiosity, the uncertainty, the spark that just needs a little encouragement. I often leave these sessions feeling energized and inspired. Mentorship doesn’t just benefit the student; it reaffirms your own purpose. I truly wish something like this had existed when I was their age. If you’re thinking about getting involved in a program like P-TECH, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Keep an open mind, find joy in the process, and remember—sometimes the most meaningful part of your career might be helping someone else start theirs.