More than 600 Northwest Indiana middle school and high school students will learn firsthand from employers how they should prepare for future jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at a simulated job fair, Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Purdue University Calumet gymnasium.

The fair is sponsored by I-STEM Northwest, which promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related education and opportunities in northwest Indiana.

“The goal of this ‘job fair’ is to help students understand the importance of what they should be doing now to prepare for good, northwest Indiana jobs in the future in science, technology, engineering and math,” I-STEM Northwest Coordinator Dan Luncsford said. “Employers participate with an eye toward anticipated needs for future, qualified workers in STEM-related jobs.

Four sessions are scheduled between 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. Middle schoolers will be present from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Representatives from 28 companies and organizations will be present to advise and enlighten the future job seekers. The students have been encouraged to dress as jobseekers, prepare a resume based on projected career aspirations and research participating employers in advance at the job fair web site: www.istemnorthwest.org/JobFair.htm.

Employer representatives will review the students’ resumes and suggest improvement. Students also are preparing for the job fair through classroom activities.

Luncsford added that I-STEM Northwest is committed to bringing together students, K-12 schools and employers to advance STEM-related careers and education.

Other information can be obtained by contacting Luncsford at 219/989-2060 or luncsfor@calumet.purdue.edu.