How Do We Inspire Tomorrow’s STEM Leaders T oday?

1. How Do We Inspire Tomorrow’s STEM Leaders Today? Dr. James FeherDr. Adam Tournier Katy CzerwonkaJacob Halde

2. US Role as Science and Technological Leaders • “STEM education will determine whether the U.S. will remain a leader among nations and whether we will be able to solve immense challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection, and national security.” • Continue to make fundamental discoveries and advancements • Create new ideas and products • Strengthen democracy by making informed decisions "PREPARE AND INSPIRE K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math (STEM) Education For America's Future." Education Digest 76.4 (2010): 42-46. Academic Search Premier. Web. 25 June 2012.

3. US Economic Recovery • "If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war.“ (A Nation at Risk: The Imperative For Educational Reform) • Excess workers in labor intensive jobs • Lack of workers in STEM related fields • Instill an attitude of hard work and self-sacrifice to stabilize employment, secure organizations, and maintain predictable career trajectories Feller, Rich. "Advancing The STEM Workforce Through STEM-Centric Career Development." Technology & Engineering Teacher 71.1 (2011): 6-12.Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 June 2012.

4. FIRST For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

5. FIRST Impacts on Students • After participating in FIRST, students are twice as likely to pursue a career in science or technology and four times as likely to pursue a career in engineering DiLisi, Gregory, Keith McMillin, and Margaret Virostek. "Project WISE: Building STEM-Focused Youth- Programs That Serve The Community." Journal Of STEM Education: Innovations & Research 12.5/6 (2011): 38-45. Academic Search Premier. Web. 25 June 2012. http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/FRC_Communications_Resource_Center/Flyers/FRC_CareersFNL.pdf

6. FIRST LEGO League • Grades 4-8 • Assemble and program a LEGO robot to complete a task • Use critical thinking, teamwork, and time management skills • Create solutions to the problems scientists are tackling • 2012 Challenge – Senior Solutions

7. FIRST Tech ChalleNge • High-school level • Design, build, and program robots to compete against other teams • Apply real-world engineering techniques • $10 million in college scholarships available

8. FIRST Robotics Competition • High-school level • Design, build, and compete with own robot • Gain knowledge and use of hardware and software • Work with professional engineers • $15 million in college scholarships available

9. What can companies and individuals do?

10. What can companies and individuals do? • Volunteer at a STEM eventOne day time commitment that exposes you to a very exciting event you will never forget • Become a mentor to an FLL or FTC teamHelp teams that may need guidance. Share expertise to help inspire the next generation. Generally one evening a week for two to three months prior to the competitions. • Have your company help sponsor a STEM event

11. McKendree University – STEM Events McKendree Contacts: James Feher -Professor Division of Computing jdfeher@mckendree.edu Adam Tournier, Physics Professor agtournoier@mckendree.edu

12. SIUE STEM Events SIUE Contacts: Phone:  618-650-3065 E-mail:  STEMCenter@siue.edu http://www.siue.edu/stem/contact.shtml

13. Thank you. Final Questions?