Pennsylvania STEM Initiative

HARRISBURG, PA (April 27, 2009) – President Barak Obama today pointed to Pennsylvania and Governor Edward G. Rendell as the shining example of how the nation should overhaul science, technology, engineering and math education.

 

"There are states, for example, doing innovative work. I am pleased to announce that Governor Ed Rendell will lead an effort with the National Governors Association to increase the number of states that are making science, technology, engineering and mathematics education a top priority,” the President said in an address to the National Academy of Sciences on the future of science and innovation in the United States. “Six states are currently participating in the initiative, including Pennsylvania, which has launched an effective program to ensure that his state has the skilled workforce in place to draw the jobs of the 21^st century. I’d want every state participate."

 

1. Increase the number and diversity of Pennsylvania’s students,  residents, and workers with high-quality postsecondary STEM education and training;
2. Ensure that all graduates from Pennsylvania’s high schools meet or exceed proficiency in STEM content areas;
3. Diversify and increase the number of Pennsylvania teachers who are well-prepared and highly effective in providing STEM education; and
4. Increase awareness of and commitment to STEM education as a priority for Pennsylvania.

The initiative has been led by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, in partnership with the Governor’s Office, state departments of Education, Labor & Industry, and Community and Economic Development. The Pennsylvania STEM Initiative brings together industry, K-12, higher education, and state and local governments to ensure a unified effort to bring STEM literacy and workforce preparedness to the state.

 

“In our 21^st century economy, STEM literacy is a non-negotiable when it comes to success in school and the workforce,” said Rich Hudic, president and CEO of the Team Pennsylvania Foundation. “We are proud of the work the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative has done to date, and are excited about our continued plans for the future. In singling out the work of Pennsylvania and Governor Rendell, President Obama made clear that effective STEM education runs through the heart of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

 

In addition to establishing a statewide initiative, the Pennsylvania STEM initiative has created a series of regional STEM networks to meet the specific educational and workforce challenges of Pennsylvania’s local communities. These regional networks are focused in the northwest, southwest, central, northeast, and southeast regions of the state. Each regional network is working with local industry, K-12, and institutions of higher education to link effective K-16 science and math instruction with workforce needs and demands.

 

Moving forward, the Pennsylvania STEM initiative has established an ambitious agenda for the coming years, including placing secondary school teachers in STEM externships with local industry, placing secondary school students in STEM internships, recruiting more STEM subject teachers for our public schools, and dramatically increasing the number of students taking STEM classes in high school and pursuing STEM degrees in postsecondary education.

 

“Team Pennsylvania Foundation looks forward to working with Governor Rendell, President Obama, and corporate leaders across the state to construct the model for STEM education we both seek and demand,” Hudic said. “Here in Pennsylvania, we have found the perfect intersection between education and the economy, an intersection that deserves our attention, our investment, and our high expectations. The Pennsylvania STEM initiative is the embodiment of the sort of improvement and innovation for which our nation is calling. It is our collective responsibility to maximize the opportunity and build a system that ensures that each and every Pennsylvanian is STEM-literate and prepared for the opportunities of the 21^st century workplace.”

 

In order to ensure that this initiative meets the workforce needs of Pennsylvania’s current and future industries, Team Pennsylvania Foundation is actively seeking the leadership and involvement of CEO’s from across the commonwealth. To be considered for a leadership position, or to learn how you can support the initiative, contact the foundation.

 

Pennsylvania STEM Initiative (www.pasteminitiative.org) is a statewide effort within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, designed to create the foundation for the state’s future competitiveness by establishing a network of partners and programs that support the development and deployment of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and workforce development.

 

Established in August 2007, the Pennsylvania STEM initiative is an initiative of the National Governor's Association and the Team Pennsylvania Foundation with the support of leaders from multiple Commonwealth agencies as well as business, secondary education and higher education partners. As a result of this partnership, the NGA Center for Best Practices awarded Pennsylvania one of six statewide STEM grants to fund the initial two years of the STEM effort.

 

Pennsylvania STEM Initiative is a key component in a nationwide strategy for implementing a STEM education redesign throughout the nation.  This national effort is being conducted through the leadership of the National Governor's Association.

 

Team Pennsylvania Foundation (www.teampa.com) is a dynamic, public/private partnership that initiates and supports innovative programs to improve Pennsylvania's competitiveness and economic prosperity.

 

Team Pennsylvania Foundation is the one statewide Foundation whose partners share the goal of Pennsylvania being the national leader in economic development. Team Pennsylvania Foundation looks to the shared expertise, knowledge and vision of industry leaders as a way to reach this goal. Through its partnerships, the Foundation is able to:

1) Bring together public officials and private leaders to enhance the business climate and secure valuable jobs for Pennsylvanians; 2) Focus its energy and resources on educating and building a strong workforce; and 3)Develop creative solutions to the challenges facing business and government across Pennsylvania.