WASHINGTON, D.C – CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard is attending the inaugural State-Federal Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Summit hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on June 25-26, 2018.

“Florida’s economy is booming, yet the talent gap persists in many of our targeted industries, particularly in STEM occupations, as it does in other states,” said President Dennard. “I’m honored to contribute to this important national dialogue at the White House. By fostering talent in STEM fields, we can bring incredible economic opportunities to families, businesses and communities.”

Florida has added more than 35,000 STEM jobs over the last three years, as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International, or Emsi.

The STEM Education Summit is convening a diverse group of state leaders, including officials from governors’ offices, K-20 educators, workforce and industry representatives, state policy experts and others. Attendees will participate in the development of a new Federal STEM Education 5-Year Strategic Plan.

“This event is the first time an administration has asked for this level of state input when developing a federal STEM education strategy,” said Jeff Weld, senior policy advisor and assistant director for STEM education at OSTP. “State leaders know best what kinds of programs will work in their communities, and where they need the power of the federal government to help drive success in this field. STEM education is critical to preparing our students for the jobs of the future.”

In addition to President Dennard, TechFarms CEO Steve Millaway and Florida Department of Education Division of Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons also were invited to represent Florida.

Alongside OSTP in planning and carrying out this Summit are the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Smithsonian Institution. STEM leaders from all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories and tribes, will attend the Summit to illuminate and advance State-Federal STEM alignment.

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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA 

CareerSource Florida provides oversight and policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more atcareersourceflorida.com.

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