Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Graduates
Author: Susan Bodary and Kelly Geers
July 2007
With the United States facing a declining number of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) graduates, Dayton Region leaders gathered on June 25th to plan how they can help prepare students for success to fuel the region’s economic growth.
Over 300 representatives from the region’s business, economic development and education sectors met in a forum sponsored by EDvention, a local group aimed at dramatically improving math and science education at every educational level.
Dr. Thomas J. Lasley, dean of the School of Education and Allied Professions at the University of Dayton, said he was pleased that EDvention’s plans include every level of education from preschool through the highest level of post-graduate university work, calling it a unique opportunity to build an innovative system of talent development.
“We must find ways to excite children about math and science and to better equip teachers to cultivate that interest so it grows into a strong foundation for advanced studies and cutting-edge research,” Lasley said. “Remember that as children, the Wright brothers were fascinated by a toy flying machine; their early curiosity was nurtured into a passion for science that changed the world.“
Dr. Steven Lee Johnson, president of Sinclair Community College, which hosted the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Summit, said “We are in a unique position in the Dayton area to tackle the creation of a pipeline that will inspire young people and turn them into the research scientists, engineers and technicians that our regional businesses need,”
Susan Bodary, executive director of EDvention, unveiled the group’s new name and logo and said the new name links the region’s rich tradition of invention with the 21st century need to invigorate math and science education.
“Our vision is to dramatically increase the science, technology, engineering and mathematics talent throughout the region, making the Dayton Region a leading competitive marketplace for innovation, research and emerging technology industries, propelling regional economic growth and individual opportunity,” she said.
Participants in the summit learned how economic development and education relate to each other, and heard from employers about workforce needs. This included the new jobs tied to the 2005 Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) moves to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as well as private sector jobs that are currently available and those being forecasted in growth areas. In all, there is a projected 7,163 core industry sector jobs that will need to be filled now and in the coming years.
It is clear that as the region moves forward on an economic development plan it is necessary to ensure that there is an appropriate workforce in place to fill these emerging jobs of the future. It is more obvious now then ever before just how closely economic development and workforce development, including education, are linked.
The variety of organizations involved in the planning and execution of the event in addition to those attending the Summit showcase the true spirit of collaboration that is needed to fully realize economic success in the Dayton Region.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Summit was presented by the Dayton Development Coalition and EDvention, formerly known as the Miami Valley Math and Science Education Consortium. Major partners included: the University of Dayton, Sinclair Community College, Wright State University, Air Force Research Laboratories. Other attendees included the Greater Dayton IT Alliance, local school districts, technical schools, professional organizations, local governments, economic development groups and private sector companies.
