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GO-Science: Science and Technology Directors Convene on the STEM EconomyGreenville, NC, Jan 31, 2013 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- Executive Director of The Eastern NC Regional Science Center (GO-Science), Roger Conner, joined other directors of the 35 institutions of the Grassroots Science Collaborative in Hickory, NC this week to focus on strategies for strengthening communities and economic development in North Carolina through tourism, business recruitment, and quality of life experiences. Discussions at the convening focused on creating new opportunities to drive the private sector in science and technology by attracting learners to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields through public-private partnerships to advance STEM learning and career development in science and technology. Robert Corbin of Discovery Place in Charlotte moderated a discussion focused on linking STEM learning to STEM working throughout the state. Panel representatives include Sam Houston of the NC SMT Center, John Harden from the NC Department of Commerce, Carr Thompson from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and Charles Coble of the Third Mile Group. GO-Science, a regional science and technology center serving 29 counties in eastern North Carolina, is a member of Grassroots Science, the only statewide partnership of science and technology centers in the United States dedicated to inspiring and educating today's youth and adults in science and technology for North Carolina's competitive future. GO-Science also directs the online technology platform that connects the institutions throughout the state. The collaborative exists to help spur private investment in North Carolina through strategic and synergistic partnerships across the state designed to connect STEM learning and science working. Recent reports indicate that 62% of currently available jobs in North Carolina require science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills; however, only 21% of NC students graduate with these skills. Grassroots Science Institutions across the state are partnering with regional schools, universities, and industry leaders to ensure that North Carolinians have the skill sets they need in order to be employed. As the only statewide science museum collaborative serving all 100 counties of North Carolina the Grassroots Science collaborative is position at the crossroads of industry, education, and community. GO-Science is a first-class learning experience for Eastern North Carolina that provides inspirational, motivational, and educational programs and activities for children, adults, and schools in order to help participants appreciate the role of science in our lives; believing that the knowledge of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM) is a core understanding and capacity of an educated community. GO-Science, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to bring informal science education programs to the public through hands-on learning, recently announced the development of a Science Center in Greenville. While the fundraising and renovation of the current site at 729 Dickinson Ave., in Greenville, NC proceeds the organization is offering extensive public and school outreach services in over 29 counties in Eastern North Carolina. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/stem/ncscience/prweb10386282.htm PRWeb.com |