Sections connect with their local communities, providing free information and MEC materials

Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) local sections continue to engage with their communities through outreach efforts in collaboration with the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC). Kurt Doran and the SME Northern Minnesota Subsection provided free MEC coloring books at a Girl Scout event in Duluth, MN on May 3. Lisa Rudstrom presented a new “Minerals in Camping” activity that she developed for teachers attending the Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop held June 15-17 at the University of Minnesota. The activity works in conjunction with the 2025 Minnesota NSTA mineral kit created by the Northern Minnesota Subsection. Staff from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Department of Mining Engineering and Management, chaired by Rudrajit Mitra, distributed MEC flyers, career booklets and posters to middle and high school teachers during the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association Teacher Workshop held July 14-15 at the Rapid City campus.Hanna Steadman and Luke Hooten from the SME Boise Section participated in the 2026 Idaho Annual STEM Conference in Twin Falls July 29-30, handing out free MEC flyers and posters to attendees. Liza Basden and staff from the Center for STEM Research, Education & Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted preK-8 teachers for the STEM Connects event on April 23, where they shared MEC flyers and posters with attendees. This spring, the SME Central Wyoming Section, chaired by Greg Kruse, attended the Family STEAM Night at The Science Zone in Casper, WY. Kruse reported: “Several Central Wyoming Section members attended the Science Zone’s STEAM night in Casper, WY to host an interactive table to help celebrate World Geology Day. The event drew over 180 people — approximately 120 kids of all ages accompanied by their parents. This is quite a large turnout by Wyoming standards. We handed out MEC flyers and posters highlighting all the great things mining brings to our communities. Our section also prepared and provided more than 150 pounds of mineral and ore samples. This is a great way to connect the kids with the mining industry. Young people can take these samples home to start or build their collections, become interested in mining and eventually enter the mining industry. It was fun connecting with kids of all ages and introducing them to the many exciting career opportunities available in the mining industry.” If your section would like to connect with teachers at a teacher conference in your state, contact MEC at mec@smenet.org. We will cover your conference registration fee and provide free MEC materials for distribution.

Sections connect with their local communities, providing free information and MEC materials

Authored by: Rebecca Smith

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

SME Midyear Meeting: Around the Table

To SME, or not to SME? Reasons to attend MINEXCHANGE 2027

Related Articles

Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

The Art and Science of the Flowsheet

UCA Division officer nominations

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Use Single Sign On