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Miss Michigan is Also a U-M Grad Student and She’s Pushing STEAM Careers

November 3, 2022

Detroit Free Press
Nov. 3, 2022
Carol Cain

Melissa Beyrand is on a mission to convince more young folks — particularly girls — to consider careers in science, tech, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM.

It’s not only about improving the long-term career prospects of young Michiganders but it would also help a state that is creating jobs but faces a growing mismatch of talent needs.

Beyrand, 22, of Milford, has a rather unique platform from which to talk up STEAM professions: She was named Miss Michigan on June 18 and she’s traveling across the region visiting schools, Girl Scout troops, community organizations and others as part of her official duties.

Inspiring young people to consider STEAM careers is the social impact initiative she chose as a contestant. She’ll take the initiative national if she is successful in her next competition, the Miss America contest on Dec. 15 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“It’s a real problem. We don’t have enough people to fill these jobs,” Beyrand told me. “I’m working to raise awareness for young kids. It’s often a long road with lots of schooling. We need to get kids excited about it.”