Each year, countries around the globe recognize November 8th as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Day, a time dedicated to encouraging children to explore their interests in these career fields.
And for good reason.
Jobs in STEM are projected to grow at twice the rate (10.8%) of overall employment (5.3%) through 2031—in the United States alone. Worldwide, professionals with STEM backgrounds are also in demand, and the need is increasing.
To help prepare future STEM leaders, communities are designing and implementing programs geared toward training students in these critical fields, and Merit Medical is supporting this important cause.
This STEM Day, we’re excited to highlight Merit Galway and its work within the community. By expanding scholarship opportunities for students and participating in events that foster their curiosity, the Merit Galway team hopes to spark an interest in STEM that will last a lifetime.
The Youth Academy
The Youth Academy at the University of Galway nurtures creativity and innovation in young people by offering STEM courses to students nine through twelve years of age. To increase access to a wide range of students, the Youth Academy provides 25% of course placement on a scholarship basis.
Since 2018, Merit Galway has been the Youth Academy’s main partner, helping to expand scholarship opportunities to more students. This involvement supports early educational intervention and higher-education options for these children, inspiring STEM career pathways, and building the next generation of professionals.
The Galway Science & Technology Festival
Launched in 1998, the Galway Science & Technology Festival has inspired and educated children of all ages in STEM. 
Its goal is to ignite young people’s interests in STEM, encouraging them to pursue these fields in their studies and careers, while fostering simultaneous curiosity about the world around them.
This year’s festival will take place at the University of Galway Campus on Sunday, November 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (GMT).
Merit Galway is excited to inspire attendees with an engaging stand at the festival, showcasing company innovations.
Merit Facility Student Visits
In addition to the aforementioned activities, the Merit Galway team hosts visits to the facility, giving students firsthand experience with real-world STEM applications. These events are designed to help young people understand STEM career opportunities as well as ignite an interest in pursuing these jobs in the future.
Putting the Team in Teamwork
A big thank you to Merit Galway for being a shining example of how, as a team, we can live up to our company values, collaborating within our communities to help children achieve a brighter tomorrow.