STEM Strategies Summit to Focus on Factors Driving Today's Economy

BISMARCK, ND--(Marketwired - Mar 4, 2014) - In today's globally competitive, knowledge-based economy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are considered valuable 21^st century skills for anyone -- especially students entering the workforce. To demonstrate how STEM impacts our world -- both educationally and in the workforce -- the North Dakota STEM Network will host the first annual Engaging STEM Strategies Summit, scheduled for April 3-5, 2014, at the National Energy Center of Excellence at the Bismarck State College in Bismarck, N.D.

Leading STEM experts from across the country will attend the summit and give presentations and hands-on workshops to address current and emerging trends for all levels of STEM education. Attendees will learn about how important STEM is for building a productive and competitive workforce. There also will be a variety of opportunities to learn about implementation of STEM strategies, policies and the importance of integrating STEM and the arts.

"Developing a community of engaged supporters is essential to enhance the level of STEM education throughout North Dakota," said Ryan Aasheim, Program Manager of the ND STEM Network. "The work our educators do today really becomes the foundation for creating a highly skilled and sophisticated workforce necessary to compete and thrive in a global economy."

Co-hosts of the summit include the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM, North Dakota Career and Technical Education, and the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Business and government leaders, educators, students, entrepreneurs and other innovators are encouraged to attend. The registration fee is $75 and it is open to the public.

Sponsorships are also available at the premier ($1,000), supporter ($750) and exhibitor levels ($500). All levels offer varying degrees of exposure, including acknowledgement in advertising, summit materials and during sessions of the summit; promotional opportunities at the summit; and an exhibit booth.

To register as an attendee or a sponsor, please go to http://bit.ly/ndstemsummit2014. Additional information is available at www.ndstem.org.

About ND STEM Network
The ND STEM Network aims to connect and increase cooperation amongst all North Dakota stakeholders in order to provide opportunities for students to be creative and innovative and gain 21st century skills through increased engagement in project-based learning driven by the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

These skills will allow more North Dakotans to graduate, gain additional skills and become part of a productive and competitive workforce in North Dakota. We believe this approach to education needs to become our vision for North Dakota students and is the responsibility, not only of educational institutions at all levels, but is the responsibility of all North Dakota citizens, businesses, and communities.