The purpose of this blog is to explore Louisiana's strategy and capacity for advancing STEM education, careers, and workforce for all. Louisiana has its own array of STEM assets, strengths and approaches in place - thus this site is designed to discover these strategies and activities. Not just a PK12 issue - all stakeholders, higher education, workforce development, economic development, business & industry, are welcome to participate. Hopefully the site will pose and answer questions that will ultimately help guide and focus diverse partners in this effort.

Business

The importance of STEM skills as the bedrock for innovation in business and industry is a no-brainer. Not only do these subjects open doors to a rich and rewarding range of STEM careers, they also foster the type of employability skills that are valued by all employers - skills of analysis, problem-solving, communication, technology use, leadership, and teamwork.

One strategy that has been successful in aligning education to business and industry needs has been the Louisiana FastStart program, which was launched in 2008. The program offers job training (that compliments other incentives from LED) for new and expanding companies in the state free of charge. Although the program is nationally recognized, it is for adults. 

The need for FastStart-type programs reveals the fact that business is experiencing STEM shortages NOW. 

K-12 reform cannot be expected do it all; neither can higher education. 

How (and how) soon do we engage multi-sector partners, academics, government, and business, in planning and implementation of a strong STEM strategy that fits our state?

The Role of Business* in STEM Education
  • Advocate for making STEM talent development a state and/or regional priority
  • Participate in state-wide strategic planning for STEM
  • Help document and communicate workforce needs and trends
  • Support state-led STEM policies that increase research and partnerships with K16
  • Support K-16 learning opportunities where possible
    • Internships, mentoring, advisories

Learn More:  Business Leaders Guide to Mobilizing State Action on STEM

* Business refers to:  Non-academic entities, such as commercial entities, government,workforce and economic development organizations, philanthropy, and informal education providers, etc.


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