SC Summit on STEM Education to Crest in Spartanburg
September 17, 2014
Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 29 and 30, 2014 ~
SPARTANBURG, SC – Hundreds of educators, lawmakers, and business leaders from South Carolina are expected to attend the “SC Summit on STEM and the Arts In and Out of School” conference at Chapman Cultural Center Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 29 and 30. The attendees will explore the national hot topic of injecting more Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics – and Arts — into the educational and after-school system.
About 400 participants are expected for the two-day conference that will focus on the ways and means of putting more emphasis on the hard sciences with a goal of better preparing students to enter the technology-based workforce that is quickly becoming the new norm in global employment. The opening remarks will be made by The Honorable Dot Harris, US Deputy Secretary of Energy.
“We are especially glad to hold this annual meeting in Spartanburg and at Chapman Cultural Center,” Tom Peters, Ed.D., Executive Director of South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science at Clemson University, said. “STEM is a rapidly growing movement across the nation, and now the time has come to find out where the arts and creativity fit into the model. Where better than to explore this concept than at a fine arts and science institution such as Chapman Cultural Center?”
The South Carolina Afterschool Alliance and South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics and Science have joined together again to bring a new opportunity for networking, dialogue, and information to thought and action leaders in STEM education. Government, business, faith and community leaders are invited to come together to learn about new programs, curricula, and strategies that can address some of the economic and social issues that confront the children and youth of South Carolina.
One of the most recent developments in STEM’s evolution is the addition of art into the academic mix. This new concept is being called STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Mathematics. “The strategy of linking in and out of school STEAM learning involves cross-sector collaboration,” Zelda Waymer, Executive Director of the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance, said. “The partnerships we have created with the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science at Clemson University and Chapman will equip educators from different settings with innovative techniques and advance STEAM learning statewide.”
The event’s keynote speaker will be Chris Desoiza, Vice President of Research, at Milliken and Company. His topic will be Securing the Future Through Innovation. Speaking on behalf of the arts community will be Ken May, Executive Director, SC Arts Commission and board member of the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance. “Between these two leaders, we should have exceptional information and insights into STEM, the arts, and after school,” Dr. Peters said.
“We couldn’t be prouder to host this state-wide education conference at Chapman Cultural Center,” Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of Chapman, said. “We are strong supporters of STEM, and we want to make sure that the arts and creativity find their rightful places in the nation’s push to improve the educational system. There is no doubt that more hard sciences need to be taught in the schools. But science has to be coupled with creativity for it to be utilized to its fullest potential. It is when a mind is both scientific and creative that we get the most earth-shaking discoveries and advancements.”
On September 29, the pre-conference will include a SC Stakeholders session sponsored by the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance and the National Conference of State Legislatures. Senator Tim Scott has been invited to open the meeting. Featured panelists include Harris; plus Tom Thompson and Molly Spearman, both candidates for SC Superintendent of Education.
On September 30, the conference program features more than 60 interactive presentations on:
• STEM and Arts or STEAM
• STEM and Workforce Development
• Afterschool/Informal Learning
• Digital Badges featuring the Smithsonian Institution
During the convention, participants will tour several Upstate businesses, schools, and organizations to get firsthand experience at how STEAM is being utilized in and outside the regular school day. The tour locations will include:
• Chapman Cultural Center
• Michelin US3 Truck Tire Plant
• Milliken Innovation Center
• The Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR)
• The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
• Boys & Girls Clubs at Cleveland Academy of Leadership
• Carver Middle STEM School
Throughout the two days, there will be various interaction sessions, exploring many topics, including:
• STEM and Arts or STEAM – Ways in which STEM and the Arts are complementary in education, workforce and/or community development.
• STEM and Workforce Development – Ways in which STEM experiences and opportunities can prepare learners of all ages for college and careers.
• Afterschool/Informal Learning – Ways to enhance learning and community engagement in STEM and/or the arts in afterschool or out of school settings.
• Digital Badges – Ways to recognize the STEM skills young people and adults gain in a variety of formal and informal learning settings
Registration for the two-day program is $125. This fee includes the workplace tour, lunches, and reception. See the full program, information on group rate lodging, and register at scCoalition.org/stem-education-summit. For more information and to register, please visit scCoalition.org or call (864) 656-1863.
