#United States #Fort Worth #STEM Education #YWLA

RS Celebrates Engineering Week 2026 with Local Youth

RS, a prominent solutions provider for industrial customers, recognized Engineering Week 2026 with a significant event aimed at local eighth-grade students from the Young Women's Leadership Academy (YWLA). This occasion was a part of RS's commitment to fostering education, innovation, and community involvement, providing young women with unique insights into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

On February 27, 2026, RS welcomed the Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) student teams from YWLA to their Fort Worth headquarters. Founded in 2010, YWLA's mission is to empower young women through a robust pre-college curriculum that emphasizes math, science, and technology. The academy encourages critical thinking, self-confidence, and the essential intellectual and social skills that support success in future educational and career pathways.

The event commenced with an engaging welcome from RS leaders, D'Mar Phillips (Vice President of People & Culture), Daniel Booker (Delivery Planner), and Jennifer Albright (Talent Development Content Specialist). The students were thrilled to receive personalized access badges before embarking on an educational tour divided into two groups, allowing them to explore the innovative high-tech systems utilized by RS.

A Deep Dive into Advanced Technologies

Billy Newby, Director of Warehouse Operations, guided the students through an extensive 520,000-square-foot warehouse. During their tour, the GEMS students learned about cutting-edge technologies at RS, such as:

• - Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): These are advanced forklifts that facilitate efficient material handling.
• - KNAPP OSR Shuttle Evo: An automated order and retrieval system that enhances storage and retrieval processes with precision and speed.
• - RFID Pocket Sortation System: This maximizes storage space and enables complete tracking accuracy, resulting in a zero-touch handling experience.
• - Goods-to-Person Systems: This efficient system quickly picks products from a vast inventory and delivers them to dedicated picking stations.
• - Robotic Packing Stations: These stations help optimize packaging, speeding up the shipping process while reducing waste.

The second part of the event featured a tour of the RS Technical Solutions Center (TSC). Here, Mark Russell, Technical Application Support Manager, led the students in a deeper understanding of how the integration of advanced electronics can revolutionize production systems. The students engaged in a hands-on activity using a breadboard, which served as a practical introduction to electronic circuit prototyping.

Inspiring Future Innovators

As the day progressed, the GEMS groups reconvened for an enlightening panel discussion with RS leaders from various backgrounds, including Marie Dawson (Senior Director), Scott Jayes (Vice President), and Ashley Pickett (Sales Talent Development Manager). Their diverse experiences created a rich learning environment where students could ask questions about careers in engineering and technology.

Marie Dawson noted, “This event was an energizing reminder of why we advocate for youth, community, and STEM education.” The goal was not only to showcase the careers in these fields but also to ignite the students' aspirations, fostering their potential as future innovators.

RS concluded the event with a delightful catered lunch where students had the opportunity to converse informally with RS employees and enjoy some fun on the basketball court. Each participant received an RS swag bag to remember their exciting day.

In addition to the hands-on experiences provided to the YWLA students, RS is also proud to sponsor the Foundation for the Young Women's Leadership Academy's upcoming Diamond Luncheon, set for April 2, 2026. This event will celebrate YWLA seniors who have achieved remarkable admissions to colleges nationwide as well as support ongoing educational resources for the academy.

Commitment to the Community

RS’s dedication to community engagement does not end with Engineering Week. They invite individuals and organizations to contribute to the Foundation for the Young Women's Leadership Academy, reinforcing educational initiatives for future leaders. The success of this event exemplifies RS's commitment to empowering the next generation of women in STEM and highlights their mantra: "Making amazing happen for a better world."

Through events like this, RS is not just endorsing academic subjects but also actively shaping the pathways for young women in technology and engineering, helping them visualize a fulfilling career in STEM.

For more details about RS and their community initiatives, visit RS Group.