The Mall of America is hosting EXPERIENCE S.T.E.A.M, over the next three days.
As the MOA celebrates its 30th birthday, Executive Vice President of business development, Jill Renslow says exposing young people to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math is the way forward.
On Wednesday, organizers showcased rovers, drones and other advanced robotics.
Chemistry professor and mentor of a Nanotechnology team, Jared Ashcroft, wants more youth to consider a career in the field.
"If you get that one or two year certificate, you can get placed into an industry job. Take two years, get a certificate and make $50,000 or $60,000," he said.
Elected officials joined in the recruitment efforts. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Dean Phillips and Bloomington Mayor, Tim Busse, said Minnesota has always been a place for innovation--- from medical technology to the Post It Note--- and the state is primed to become a major technopolis.
"We've all got to get together and recruit steamers," said Phillips. "We need young people to choose careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. I want to create Silicon Prairie right here and make Bloomington the heart of it."
Bloomington Mayor, Tim Busse, said he supports the vision.
"We focus a lot of time here in the city of Bloomington understandably on the hospitality industry," said the mayor. "But we know full well that technology, education and a highly skilled workforce are the absolute keys to the city's future."
Among those at EXPERIENCE S.T.E.A.M was 19-year-old Mariana Aldama, who is pursuing a degree in Electronic Engineering. She says early exposure influenced her decision.
"I was a part of Girls Tech Savvy which is something similar to STEAM but it's exclusively for girls."
Aldama says she gained an interest in sciences and learned how to code through Girls Tech Savvy. She believes EXPERIENCE S.T.E.A.M will pique that sort of interest for other young people.
"It's crazy," said Aldama, "seeing the middle school kids here. Some of them know more than me."
EXPERIENCE STEAM ends Sunday, August 14th.