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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Under-served middle scholars spent their Thursday learning the importance of science, technology, engineering and math at the Columbia Urban League's third annual Youth STEM Expo.

More than 400 students from 18 Midlands schools were shown the latest innovations in 3D design, robots, rockets and STEM career opportunities.

"STEM is the core for education," said Alecia Thibaudet with IT-oLogy. "Any job that someone wants in technology or in math -- they have to take those core STEM classes when they're this young and get that foundation so that they can be successful in their careers later."

This year's event, hosted by IT-oLogy, focused on technology and developing a successful career in a world where technology is so rapidly changing.