As you know, STEM education is critical for the continued growth of the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. We work closely with the MassBioEd Foundation to support workforce development and the next generation of biotech talent, so we’re looking forward to the Massachusetts STEM Summit on October 18th. The day will be a great opportunity for industry and education stakeholders to engage and work toward building a stronger future for Massachusetts STEM education.

The 2012 Summit will be the ninth, and thus far the largest, Massachusetts STEM Summit, with more than 750 attendees expected. Plenary presentations and break-out sessions will address numerous issues related to STEM education and workforce development.  Leaders from the state’s education, business, non-profit and government sectors will come together to share information and ideas on topics including early to higher education, formal and informal education, workforce and economic development, as well as policy issues faced by the Commonwealth.

Speakers for the day include:

• Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray
• Paul Reville, MA Secretary of Education
• Cady Coleman, NASA Astronaut
• A number of other STEM leader

Topics for the day include:

• Early Education, K-1 2Education, Higher Education
• Economic Development, Workforce Development, State STEM Policy
• Diversity, Online Education, Disabilities

Readers – What do you you think are the most critical challenges facing STEM education today? What would you like us to report back on from the Summit?