STEM Coalition Event Aims to Boost Arkansas Economy

Thursday, Aug 30, 2007

Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing Arkansans for a Brighter Economic Future

Governor Mike Beebe, partnering with the Arkansas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Coalition, is convening a one-day conference to address conditions facing our State as it considers building and sustaining a workforce that can meet the STEM demands of business and industry into the next decade and beyond. This one-day conference to be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, promises to bring together leaders from business and industry; educators from elementary, secondary and higher education; policy-makers, and other stakeholders. The results of this meeting will be summarized with specific policy recommendations for consideration by the Arkansas General Assembly and the Governor.
Governor Beebe and the STEM Coalition recognize that educational reforms will improve skills in math, science and technology thereby strengthening the workforce knowledge base and lead to economic benefits for Arkansas. This Conference will feature national and state leaders who will discuss opportunities and issues to be addressed in advancing Arkansas economy. This event has been coordinated in partnership with the National Academies, numerous state agencies and the private sector.

On-Site Registration Available September 5th Starting at 8:30

Agenda


8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration
Foyer of Statehouse Convention Center- Room B/C

9:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Jerry Adams, Vice Chair, Arkansas STEM Coalition

9:10 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Dr Sherece West, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Keynote address: Dr. Gail Cassell, Eli Lilly and Company
Rising Above the Gathering Storm: National Perspective

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Randy Zook, Deputy Director, Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Accelerate Arkansas: Update by Jerry Adams, Accelerate Arkansas Chair

10:30 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
Break

10:40 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Dr. Ken James, Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education
National Perspective on Workforce Talent Pool: Dr. Ruth Wooden, President of Public Agenda

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
First Panel: Focus on P-16 and the Arkansas Talent Pool
Dr. Gail Wooden, Moderator
Thomas Carter, Engineering& Recruiting Under-Represented Populations
Matt Dozier, EAST Initiative Skills
Carole Cramer, CSI Camp and Education Outreach
Randy Zook, Industry Perspective

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Dr. John W. Ahlen, Arkansas Science & Technology Authority
Lunch Address: Governor Mike Beebe

1:00 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.
Dr. Steve Floyd, Interim Director, Arkansas Department of Higher Education
Report on Innovation for the National Governors Association:
Ms. Mary Jo Waits, Center Director, Pew Center on the States

1:25 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.
Second Panel: Focus on State Research & Development and Innovation
Ms. Mary Jo Waits, Moderator
Phil Stafford, Technology Development
Sam Walls III, Connect Arkansas
Morris Jenkins, Innovate Arkansas
Jerry Adams, Research Alliance & Accelerate Arkansas

1:55 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dr. William L. Walker, Director, Arkansas Department of Workforce Education

Third Panel: Focus on Philanthropy and Its Role in Education and Innovation
Dr. Ruth Cassell, Moderator
Sherece West, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Heather Eason, Arkansas Community Foundation
Kathy Smith, Walton Family Foundation

2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Break and move into groups (pre-assigned by color code)

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Strategy Session-Prioritize actions in each region of Arkansas

3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Reporting Session - Listing top strategies for each group.
Jerry Adams, Facilitator
(Issues and policy suggestions generated from each working group will be used for the report to the governor.)

4:30 p.m.
Adjourn