Nolen Padgett and William Giles among 50 middle school students from across the country selected for Joint Science and Technology Institute
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Lumpkin County seventh graders Nolen Padgett, son of Nick and Robin Padgett, and William Giles, son of Scott and Greta Giles, are two of 50 middle school students from across the country selected to participate in the Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI).
JSTI is a two-week program for middle school students that exposes them to scientific research through hands-on experience. Ordinarily a residential program, JSTI has gone virtual for 2021 because of the pandemic. Participating students will conduct hands-on STEM challenges in small groups from the comfort of their homes. All materials needed for the program will be shipped to participating students ahead of time.
The goal of JSTI is to inspire students and increase their awareness of career opportunities in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
JSTI is sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.