Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/110509
CORRIDOR BRIEFS Cultivating Tomorrow���s Workforce Through STEM Experts I n today���s technology-driven world, younger generations further career possibilities in their own backyard. Local tend to quickly adopt the latest innovations in our ever- colleges host workshops, called techCAMPs, to showcase changing high tech landscape; however, through the STEM fields and concentrations within their departments, Florida High Tech Corridor Council���s workforce initiative, allowing a classroom of students to spend the day techPATH, students can learn how they can create those participating in active discussions and demonstrations innovations, too. while being introduced to ways they can continue their For 15 years, techPATH has connected Corridor education locally. universities ��� the University of Central Florida, the University An extension of techPATH���s state and community of South Florida and the University of Florida ��� state and college program delivers academic experts directly to community colleges, and private sector companies with students without having to leave the classroom. Conducted teachers and students to demonstrate exciting high tech as an entirely virtual experience, stemCONNECT provides careers and the skills needed for a student to prepare for teachers with dynamic guest speakers who can teach their technology-based jobs. students a variety of STEM subjects through an interactive techPATH has delivered nearly 90 programs to more online conferencing session. The free program allows than 3,000 teachers and students within the 23-county students to ask questions and interact with the speaker Corridor region while expanding with new programs to meet from his or her office, classroom or laboratory anywhere changing needs. By transforming complicated principles in the Florida High Tech Corridor. A trial stemCONNECT into interesting concepts that have real-world applications, program has already been delivered to an Orange County techPATH empowers students to study STEM fields (Science, middle school class on the topic of simulation. Technology, Engineering and Math) in a different light. An ongoing partnership between techPATH and For more information, visit www.floridahightech.com/ techpath.php. state and community colleges allows students to explore A simulation expert shares her knowledge via stemCONNECT, a new techPATH program to bring STEM speakers into the classroom. 06 florida.HIGH.TECH 2013 fht_corridorbriefs_2013.indd 6 2/12/13 1:33 PM