STEM Education

The Virginia Technology Alliance (VTA) and STEM Education

The ten councils comprising the VTA share, as one of the Alliance's stated goals, an interest in "Advocating for issues important to the growth and development of innovative technologies and technology-based organizations in the Commonwealth." The councils have recognized the role of STEM education as one of these important issues as evidenced by the following item from the Alliance's legislative agenda: Develop programs that inform and encourage students to pursue higher education in areas critical to the continued growth of Virginia's technology industry. Provide financial and other incentives for students entering degree programs in math, science, and engineering.

As part of the Alliance's efforts to promote a STEM workforce for the future, the Alliance passed a resolution in May, 2009 expressing its support of FIRST Lego League as one of its STEM workforce initiatives. FIRST Lego League is an introductory robotics program for youth ages 9-14. By its endorsement of this resolution, the Alliance has clearly recognized that programs must be offered far earlier than the last years of high school in order to encourage students to pursue STEM subjects in a higher education setting.

Given its representation throughout the state, its strong industry and government ties, and its interest in workforce development, the Alliance is well positioned to become a champion of state-wide STEM education reform. For more information, contact our STEM Workforce Committee Chair Jonathan Whitt at jwhitt (at) techcouncil.us.