2012 Massachusetts STEM Summit: Highlights

Last Thursday was the 2012 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The 1,000+ stakeholders who attended included  educators, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and elected officials, all interested in sustaining and improving the quality of STEM education in the Commonwealth.

The day started off with a welcomes from many, including Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray, and Robert K. Kraft, Chair and CEO of The Kraft Group.

The keynote address, delivered by Rose Kirk, President, Verizon Foundation spoke to how vital STEM education is to our country, our communities, and our children.

Over lunch N.A.S.A Astronaut Catherine Coleman (pictured above) captivated the audience with stories of shuttle missions, her time aboard the International Space Station, and the role STEM played in her education and career.

In 2004, the Massachusetts STEM Summit was the first STEM Summit in the nation and today, eight years later, remains devoted to six quantitative goals.

1. Increase stent interest in STEM.
2. Increase STEM achievement among Pre K-12 Students.
3. Increase the percentage of students who demonstrate readiness for college-level study in STEM fields.
4. Increase the number of students who graduate from a post-secondary institution with a degree in a STEM field.
5. Increase the number/percentage of STEM classes led by effective educators, from Pre K-16.
6. Align STEM education programs with the workforce needs of key economic sectors.

For full programming from the 2012 Massachusetts STEM Summit and for updates on future summits, visit their website.