Union Pacific Railroad and The Manufacturing Institute Launch Digital STEM Awareness Program for Middle School Students

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/25/21 – Union Pacific Railroad and The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—today announced the introduction of Future Creators, a first-of-its-kind digital education program giving middle school students an opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Future Creators is made available at no cost to students and educators in seven markets across the country through sponsorship from Union Pacific via the MI’s relationship with the nation’s leading social impact education innovator, EVERFI, Inc. The program is part of Union Pacific and the MI’s “Careers on Track” initiative, specifically designed to shrink the workforce gender gap by inspiring more women and young people to pursue modern industry careers.

Future Creators aims to create pathways into transportation, distribution and logistics career paths. Through interactive gameplay and real-world scenarios, Future Creators provides students initial exposure of careers powering STEM industries, big data and the Internet of Things, the future of manufacturing and design and now the world of transportation and logistics.

“Youth see doctors, teachers and, sometimes, lawyers at work, but this program opens their lens into the world of transportation with an interactive program, exposing them to career opportunities they may have never considered,” said Union Pacific Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Foundation President Scott Moore. “Union Pacific is proud to partner with the MI and EVERFI to showcase the vast career fields available, helping young adults and women picture themselves in fulfilling careers.”

The program explores the ways students can leverage their skills in STEM careers and piques learners’ curiosity by highlighting how STEM concepts and careers connect to topics that interest them, contextualizing and supporting classroom learning with real-world examples.

“Future Creators is exactly what educators and the industry need to do to harness and shape career aspirations and the bright future of our workforce,” said MI Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “There are nearly 900,000 manufacturing job openings in the U.S.—a record-high number—and millions more expected by the end of the decade. And because of the skills gap, manufacturers are finding that there aren’t nearly enough qualified applicants for jobs requiring STEM education and skills. Future Creators addresses these challenges of the gender gap and the skills gap head-on, empowering young women with a head start on rewarding STEM career paths.”

Manufacturers interested in learning more about this and other youth engagement initiatives can visit themanufacturinginstitute.org/students.

Background:

Partnership allows Future Creators to be available in the following communities:

• Houston, TX
• Herington, KS
• Laredo and Del Rio/Eagle Pass, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• Omaha, NE
• Shreveport, LA
• St. Paul, MN

-Union Pacific-

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com/.

-The MI-

The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

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