As we continue to advance our efforts in education and workforce development, the intersection of STEM and CTE presents a unique opportunity to prepare students for the future. This session will bring together education thought leaders from both STEM and CTE to explore how they can work together to create a more robust learning experience. Through a moderated panel discussion, participants will gain insights into successful integration strategies and discover new opportunities for collaboration.
This session will bring together education thought leaders from both the STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields to explore the dynamic intersection of these two critical areas. As the demand for a skilled workforce in STEM-related fields continues to grow, CTE programs have become increasingly important. This panel discussion will delve into how together, STEM and CTE create more comprehensive and impactful educational experiences for students.
Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to enhance their programs and better prepare students for high-demand careers in STEM-related fields. This session will also serve as a platform for building stronger connections between the STEM and CTE communities, fostering a shared commitment to student success and innovation in education.
Session Objectives:- Highlight Synergies: Examine the natural synergies between STEM and CTE and how they can be leveraged to enhance student learning and career readiness.
- Overcoming Challenges: Discuss the challenges of aligning STEM education with CTE pathways and explore solutions to overcome these barriers.
- Future Opportunities: Explore future opportunities for collaboration between STEM and CTE to better prepare students for the evolving workforce.
Target Audience:Educators, administrators, policymakers, and industry professionals interested in the intersection of STEM and CTE, and those looking to innovate and strengthen their educational programs.
Panelists:The panel will feature leading experts from both STEM and CTE fields, including:
[Tim Barrett, Trade & Industry Specialist, MDE] – CTE, curriculum design education and workforce development.
[Sarah Carter, STEM/Computer Science Integration Specialist]– STEM curriculum design and implementation.
[Aaron Sykes, Assistant Director, National Center for Autonomous Technologies] – Emerging technology, workforce development, with experience in STEM-CTE partnerships.
[Melissa Huppert, Ph.D., STEM Outreach Director, Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence] – STEM program design and STEM outreach.
[Vic Dreier, Sr. Director School Success, Project Lead the Way] – STEM and CTE program integration and outreach.
Moderator:
[Emily Saed, Director, MN STEM Ecosystem] – CTE and STEM collaboration facilitator, CTE-STEM network development and outreach.
Learning Outcomes for Participants:- Enhance Student Career Readiness: Participants will learn how the integration of STEM and CTE can better prepare students for high-demand careers, ensuring they possess both technical skills and critical STEM competencies.
- Explore Opportunities for Collaboration: Educators and administrators will discover new opportunities for collaboration between STEM and CTE to create more robust and interconnected learning pathways.
- Incorporate Emerging Technologies and Trends: Attendees will gain insights into how emerging technologies and current STEM trends can be beneficial to CTE programs, keeping them relevant and forward-thinking.
- Design Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Educators will better understand how cross-disciplinary learning combining STEM and CTE can support problem-solving, creativity, and workforce readiness.
- Apply Insights to Curriculum Development: Attendees will be equipped with actionable ideas and resources to refine and develop their own curricula to meet the needs of today’s workforce.
These learning outcomes will help participants leave the session with practical knowledge and strategies they can apply to improve their programs and better prepare students for future careers.
