BOSTON – Mass. Gov. Deval L. Patrick plans to create a council that will coordinate the Bay State’s efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
“In order to successfully take part in the global 21st Century economy, students must possess high-level science, technology, engineering and math skills,” Patrick said in a statement. “The Coordinating Council will ensure we are better focusing our efforts to educate the workforce of tomorrow.”
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The new Governor’s STEM Education Coordinating Council will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray and “will be the central coordinating entity for the Executive Branch as it seeks to increase student interest and achievement in STEM fields,” according to a news release.
The council will include officials from the state’s Education, Housing and Economic Development, and Labor and Workforce Development departments, as well as lawmakers, business leaders and educators.
Murray announced the plan for the council last week at a STEM Leaders Breakfast at Boston’s Museum of Science. He said the Patrick administration believes Massachusetts still needs to do more to push STEM education despite the success the state has already had in that area.
“STEM is an essential component of our state’s education agenda,” Murray said. “Improving the level of coordination within the Executive Branch will lead to increased opportunities for students of all ages and help us retain and attract businesses that need a highly skilled workforce.”
State and business groups in Rhode Island has also taken a number of steps to boost STEM education in the state, including joining the Northeastern Girls Collaborative Project and giving teachers short-term placements inside high-tech companies.
