#5 BEING WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS

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Coca-Cola presents a series of short conversations
and tips designed to be shared between moms and
their teens over a couple of Mini Coke cans.
Discussing a teen’s academic future may be difficult,
so sharing a small treat together provides an
opening for these important topics.
Coke.com/payitforward
#5
BEING WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS
ENCOURAGING YOUR TEEN TO PURSUE AN INTEREST IN EMERGING AND IMPORTANT FIELDS OF STUDY.
The global economy continues to evolve at a fast pace, with each college-bound generation ready to step up
and become what the world needs to progress into the future. Teens today need to be encouraged to pursue
university programs that focus on STEM/STEAM curriculums (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and
Mathematics), which allow minority students (African American, Hispanic, Women) to explore academic and
career options where they are traditionally underrepresented. Help your teen take a mini step in the right
direction and open up these new opportunities.
TIPS
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Research STEM careers with your teen. It may be important to some teens to know what benefits can
come out of STEM education. Do they hate math class in school but love computers? Let them know
that the fundamental skills they learn now can turn into a career they love. Today’s math class could be
tomorrow’s software engineering.
Try getting your teen involved in STEM extracurriculars and programs. Start small by seeing what his or her
school has to offer outside the classroom, then consider moving on to community events and activities.
Look for a STEM role model to help inspire and encourage your teen. Whether it be his or her own teachers,
or a widely-known scientist or STEM professional, help your teen see what a difference he or she could
make by following a path in STEM.
Participate with your teen. If possible, try to learn new and emerging technologies alongside your teen.
Go with him or her to museums or coding classes. He or she will see that you truly believe in the
importance of STEM, and you may learn something along the way as well. All these little actions can
turn into a big and bright future.
Encourage your teen to master the fundamentals of STEM, and let him or her know that they can be
used to earn success no matter what focus he or she pursues. Curiosity, critical thinking, problem
solving, independence, confidence, and creativity are all qualities that are crucial not only in STEM,
but also in any area your teen chooses to focus on.
Remember, encouragement is key. Allow your teen to explore and choose the field he or she feels is right. Send
the message that your teen’s happiness and success is what matters to you, and he or she will be bolstered by
your support. To help your teen on his or her educational path, don’t forget to visit www.coke.com/PayItForward
to nominate him or her for a chance to win a mentorship experience at the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy,
plus a $5,000 scholarship. And join the conversation with other Moms using #CokeMiniMoments.