Recently the West Point Lions Club was treated to a presentation from two Lanett teachers on STEM (science, technology engineering and math) education.

During the talk, it was mentioned that the student’s take the class because they enjoy it, which is great news, and that STEM education begins as early as Kindergarten.

This is excellent news, not only because it shows that local students are excited to learn and be challenged but because it means the citizens of tomorrow will be better prepared for the future.

Let’s be honest, the world and job markets these student will be entering will be one that is almost alien to the one most of us entered.

Ten years ago, it was considered forward thinking to have students taught social media etiquette and how to properly navigate an entirely digital work environment.

Twenty years ago, being savvy with computers in any capacity meant you were much more prepared than those that had no experience with the devices.

This is a pattern that has repeated itself time and time again over the decades and it is one that should be embraced wholeheartedly here.

Let’s be honest, the mills are gone and have been for years and are not coming back anytime soon, if ever. The traditional jobs our parents and grandparents toiled in are gone forever.

Add that to the fact that things are getting more complicated, technologically speaking. We get our news from a device we carry around in our pockets and we drive vehicles that have to receive software updates periodically.

We live in a world where advanced technologies are embedding themselves in everything and that tread will continue.

STEM classes are currently an elective but as the years pass, it will become necessary for them to be required learning. So it’s good to know that our little corner of the world is staying up to date and our youth of today will be ready for whatever the future holds.