PUSH Excel Showcase aims to help kids value STEM careers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Science and technology will be a big part of the Rainbow PUSH Convention in Chicago next weekend.

On Friday, organizers offered a preview of the PUSH Excel Showcase.

Its goal is to expose more children to valuable work skills and career paths.

Students have been working on several projects including a machine that crushes cans for recycling.

"My goal is to provide resources and mentor to these kids so they can actually solve a problem that we currently face today and hopefully they become the next generation of the future," Martin Pieters, PUSH Excel Showcase STEM coordinator, said.

Rainbow PUSH will present the PUSH Excel Showcase at its headquarters on Saturday, June 25.