2011 STEMflorida Think Tank

June 24, 2011     Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

The STEMflorida Think Tank is being held in conjunction with the 2011 FEDC Annual Conference, in recognition of the need for STEM and STEM talent development to provide responsive, collaborative demand-driven solutions for employers and economic development in our state. The morning hours include an exhibit session for hands-on learning of STEM applied programs and educational initiatives. After the FEDC Conference adjourns, STEMflorida Think Tank participants will address questions including:

§  What is STEM? – What is a STEM Job? – What is a STEM Industry?

§  The Best STEM Scorecard in the Americas – How do we gauge success and proficiency in STEM for our state and our regions?

§  What tools are available for regions and communities looking to support or bolster STEM proficiency?

§  How does STEM fit into Governor Scott’s 7 – 7 – 7 plan and our state’s vision for economic development strategy?

§  Who must we compete with to win in STEM?

We also have a couple calls for information/action:

§  We are calling for regional best practices – collaboratives or initiatives prioritizing and taking action on STEM based on the needs and unique characteristics of their regions.

§  We are also calling for best practices in STEM applied programs/educational initiatives – university-based, school-based, or employ-based. Select STEM applied programs identified as best practices are needed at the Think Tank for a morning-long exhibit to help Think Tank participants learn about the best hands-on, on-the-ground applications of STEM in Florida today.