STEM Conference: Langevin Urges Investment in RI’s Workforce
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Congressman James Langevin called for an investment in Rhode Island’s workforce Friday at the state’s first STEM Conference, held at Rhode Island College. Langevin pledged to be a partner at the federal level for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, and said it is imperative for states to continue developing a work force that is qualified and capable to work in these industries.
Langevin echoed President Obama’s support for the STEM fields and said the United States is falling behind other developed countries when it comes to these areas. Langevin said the country is at risk if it can’t catch up.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We know that our nation is woefully behind in these subject matters. If we do not engage future generations to excel in these fields, it will be detrimental to our country’s future reputation as innovators, and we will be unable to fill the jobs of the 21st Century.”
STEM Conference
Rhode Island College President Dr. Nancy Carriuolo kicked off the day-long event, which advertised itself as an opportunity to gain a better understanding for of the need and role of STEM in the Ocean State.
The goal of the conference was to address STEM’s “leaking pipeline,” which is forcing more and more jobs to go overseas and is not adequately preparing young people in Rhode Island.
Stakeholders from all over the state joined to discuss the ways to advance the “knowledge economy" and build a workforce that is educated and able to obtain 21st century jobs. Langevin, who serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, said the entire state would benefit from a more capable workforce.
“In order to strengthen the pipeline for these jobs, we need to engage all of our state’s schools, businesses, universities and other invested partners in a common goal,” Langevin said.
A Shortage, But An Opportunity
Rhode Island students have traditionally tested far behind their New England counterparts in both math and science, which is one reason so many jobs continue to leave the state. But Langevin called on everyone in the room to help tap the talent of all students.
Langevin said it is time to build a “competitive cyber workforce.”
"As we look to strengthen Rhode Island’s economy, this shortage also offers an opportunity,” he said. “Our state needs sustainable job growth opportunities, and the cyber field offers good paying jobs and a sustainable job sector. We must harness the talent and creativity of students at institutions like RIC and incorporate the perspectives of public and private entities to build a competitive cyber workforce that meets our national security needs.”
Add An “A” To STEM
Given Rhode Island’s strong arts community, Langevin also said he believes that art and design help advance the understand of STEM learning and collaboration. He said he’d like to make the acronym “STEAM” from now on.
“Art and design contribute real solutions to our everyday lives, distinguish America’s products in a global marketplace, and create opportunity for economic growth in the United States,” Langevin said. “Artists and designers can effectively communicate complex data and scientific information to multiple stakeholders and broad audiences. The tools and methods they use also offer new models for creative problem-solving and interdisciplinary partnerships in our growing 21st Century economy. “
But before anything else, he said the state and the federal government need to make a true investment in STEM.
“Rhode Island has the unique ability to take on small-scale, cutting-edge initiatives and act as a model for innovative ideas and partnerships. We have shown through our state’s history we have the ability to adapt to new challenges, and we will do that again,” Langevin said.
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