Something Big in ’STEM‘ is Coming to the Upstate
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Professionals and Educators Collaborate
The Upstate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Collaborative will make a major announcement on Monday, November 18, 11:00 a.m. at Embassy Suites Resort and Conference Center that will make the Upstate a national model in STEM-related experiences for K-12 students.
The STEM collaborative, a group of STEM education supporters from all walks of life, have joined to identify STEM education needs, assets and opportunities with an initial focus in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens counties.
“We are planning something big,” says Sheila Myers-Stratford, Senior Materials Researcher with Michelin Americas Research Corporation – the task force’s lead planning organization. “We are developing resources and strategies to inspire and encourage more K-12 students to choose STEM related careers.” Mike Lackey, Vice President of Nuclear Operations at Fluor adds, “Increasing collaboration among the multitude of STEM-interested groups, organizations, and individuals in the upstate will lead to a common sense of purpose and a systemic plan of action for STEM education in our region.”
Hank Hyatt from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce explains, “STEM education is a foundational component of workforce and economic development. Increasingly, our regional employers are inquiring about efforts to prepare a STEM-literate workforce. And STEM is where the future job growth is projected here and across the nation.”
Helping Michelin and Fluor to create the plan, which will be announced at a special event in November, are the United Way of Greenville Co., Furman University, Greenville Technical College, Clemson University, Milliken, GE Energy, Lockheed Martin, ADEX Machining Technologies, 3M, Roper Mountain Science Center, Spartanburg School District 7, and Greenville County Schools.