2013 Working Groups
Developing America's Next Generation of Innovators
The persistent poor performance of American students in math and science has serious implications for the long-term competitiveness of America's economy. However, the convergence of government and private sector engagement, popular culture interest, and the development of innovative education technologies represent promising areas of momentum for the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This Working Group will build off successes from CGI America 2011 and 2012 and will focus on developing strategies for attracting and retaining excellent teachers, increasing participation of girls and other underrepresented groups, expanding afterschool STEM programs, and promoting skilled volunteering and mentoring among STEM professionals.
Skilled Volunteering in STEM Increasing the number of STEM field professionals who have the opportunity to meaningfully connect with students will help link education to careers and will enhance industry efforts to build a more robust career pipeline for STEM-related jobs.
Preparing for the Common Core The implementation of the Common Core State Standards will provide many opportunities for the private sector to support enhanced STEM learning in the classroom.
Supporting STEM Undergraduates Improving outcomes for undergraduate STEM students, particularly those in the first two years of college, will help to increase the number of people entering the workforce with strong STEM skills.
After School and Out-of-School STEM Learning The time outside of classroom instruction can present an enormous opportunity to engage students in non-traditional learning environments. These opportunities can prepare young people, particularly female and minority students, to be STEM literate and engage in STEM learning throughout their lives.
Strengthening STEM Teachers Supporting the development of educators with expertise in the STEM field, and working to keep them in the classroom, will have a dramatic impact on student achievement.
Computer Science Education Increasing the number of qualified teachers and students in computer science, especially in high school, is an essential component to improving STEM education.