January 2014 Chamber Luncheon

Innovation Nation: Understanding the role of STEM in education, workforce, and economic development GUEST SPEAKER: Jim Brazell, President of VentureRamp Inc. DETAILED PROGRAM INFORMATION: Innovation Nation: Understanding the role of STEM in education, workforce, and economic development STEM is not new, it has existed as a form of public policy since Abraham Lincoln founded the National Science Foundation. Globally, innovation is measured in terms of STEM patents, graduates, and funding for high technology ventures, among other measures. In terms of public policy STEM plays a role in workforce funding and economic development strategies including corporate relocation, and cultivating new start-ups and market-based innovation in existing businesses. In schools from primary to post secondary education, STEM practice is widely varied. For some STEM is about increasing math and science rigor and performance. For others, in education, STEM is the integration of knowledge- (science and math) and skill- (engineering and technology) based programs. STEM is also the million blooming informal education STEM programs including competitions, student clubs, and community innovation laboratories. The most compelling and potentially long-lasting implication of STEM is that many schools are using the STEM trend to focus on the transformation of teaching and learning holistically across the disciplines. Attend this informative program with Jim Brazell to learn more about STEM and it's meaning in the context of community innovation. To learn more about Jim Brazell from San Antonio, please visit TEAMS SCHOOLS schools at http://www.ventureramp.com/#!services-jimbrazell/cri4 online. Jim Brazell has 27 years of experience in education, technology and business innovation. As president of VentureRamp Inc., he serves entrepreneurial, industrial, academic and government clients globally. A technology forecaster and strategist, Jim's message is that innovation is the key to education, workforce, and economic development goals in the 21st Century. His work in K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities includes facilitating design of new formal and informal learning programs, leading teacher professional development, and dissemination of best practices.