STEM leaders gather to learn from their colleagues
3/24/2010
Representatives from states with Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) programs recently attended a conference in Ohio to learn about the Buckeye State’s initiative and share their STEM success stories.Dr. Ken Borland, Northwest Regional STEM, and Liz Nilsen, Coordinator, Southwest STEM Network, represented Pennsylvania at the conference with Borland also participating in a panel discussion concerning the commonwealth’s STEM program.
During the National STEM Panel session, it was noted that 25 states, including Pennsylvania, will elect new governors in 2010 and Borland was asked what STEM representatives here have done to educate the gubernatorial candidates about the initiative.
“I was happy to tell them that Pennsylvania is taking a pro-active role thanks to Team Pennsylvania Foundation,” Borland said. “That went over well and they were happy to hear that Team Pennsylvania Foundation is meeting with the gubernatorial candidates prior to the election to educate them about the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative.”
Borland said there were several key points he gleaned by participating in the conference.
Ohio’s state government and industry are really “on the same page” when it comes to their STEM programs, Borland noted.
“From the governor on down, the collaboration of their elected officials and the business community is really accelerated,” Borland said.
Another highlight was a discussion of the MC STEM High School, which is housed in one of the General Electric facilities in Cleveland.
“They draw future employees from this talent pool of students,” Borland said. “Their mentor program is extremely strong with employees advising students and guiding the design of their STEM projects.”
Borland said the Dayton Regional STEM Center was created with National Governor’s Association funding and serves as the central clearinghouse for Ohio’s STEM Initiative programming, which includes professional development for teachers and curriculum writing for school districts.
Another highlight was a major announcement by Governor Ted Strickland detailing a plan to align four school districts and four major universities in Ohio.
“The universities will each produce 20 teachers that will commit to teaching in these districts,” Borland said. “A total of 80 teachers will complete the program each year and will receive a $30,000 stipend with a commitment of three years to working in the assigned district.”
Travel arrangements to the conference, which also included networking and breakout sessions, were provided by Team Pennsylvania Foundation.
