Workforce Development - STEM Initiatives (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
STEMPower Vision 2015
STEMPower, the Mid-Massachusetts STEM Pathways Initiative, works collaboratively with a broad cross-section of businesses, community-based organizations and education and training partners to reach its goal of increasing the pipeline of displaced workers, veterans, and disadvantaged youth into STEM careers. This program is focused primarily on Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy and Aerospace sectors.
STEMPower is now in its third and final year as funded by USDOL. Program sustainability is a topic that is being explored in a variety of ways. Internal and external stakeholders were invited to engage in a half-day visioning workshop that was facilitated by Monster.com earlier this spring at WPI. Initial program goals were identified as: increase US competitiveness and growth;
increase STEM pipeline including non-degree positions; align and expand One-Stop STEM workforce and education strategies; and broaden the range of STEM workforce to under-represented populations. Desired outcomes are to share results, best practices and lessons learned and facilitate replication.
Vision participants identified best practices as: the website, STEMPower.org; collaboration and team spirit across three Workforce Investment Boards; strengthened collaboration between higher education, training providers and industry; integration with other STEM initiatives; and program infrastructure and enrollment process. Challenges included: greater demand than the program could serve, partly due to the economic climate; multi-layered outcomes that added to the capacity issue; and developing an adult mentor program that meets both jobseeker needs and mentor availability.
The session concluded with big-picture ideas around the possibility of taking STEM statewide if we can get the attention and support needed to do so. Subsequent conversation also worked to identify program elements that are worth carrying forward in each region if a statewide vision is not realized.
To learn how to become involved in the program as an employer, mentor, advisory council member, or on STEMPower.org, contact Lisa Derby Oden at odenl@worcesterma.gov . Mid-Massachusetts STEM Pathways Initiative is sponsored in part by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. The program is an equal opportunity program.
