From the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce:
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and The Cape Cod Regional STEM Network participated in a global convening of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Ecosystems in Newport Beach, CA from November 13-16, 2018. Bridget Burger, Director of the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network, and Chris Adams, the Chamber’s Chief of Staff and STEM Network Advisory Board member joined representatives from 68 other STEM ecosystems in the US and abroad to share ideas and best practices and advance STEM based education and workforce development.
The STEM Learning Ecosystems Initiative hosts bi-annual Community of Practice Convenings for all participating STEM Learning Ecosystems to provide a peer-to-peer professional learning network for communities to share information and expertise. Members of the Community of Practice help shape the agenda for the convenings with access to STEM and cross-sector collaboration experts.
“One of the keys to advancing our future as a Blue Economy is the development of tomorrow’s workforce with the skill sets needed in our marine and ocean science and technology sectors. Engaging with STEM Ecosystems from around the globe will help us with innovative approaches to workforce development,” said Wendy Northcross, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Chris’ membership on the STEM Network’s Advisory Board underscores the Chamber’s commitment to developing our future workforce by focusing on our local population of talent.”
“We are fortunate to have been chosen to participate in this highly selective initiative. Being a part of STEM Learning Ecosystems puts the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network at the forefront of what’s happening nationally and globally, and gives us a collaborative space to network and build relationships with other communities that are also working to build the STEM talent pipeline in their region,” said Bridget Burger, the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network’s Director. “At each convening, I can share the work we are doing, and bring back to our communities data-driven best practices in STEM education.”
“STEM education is about critical thinking, problem solving, and making an investment in our future success on every level,” said Chris Adams, the Chamber’s Chief of Staff. “We are helping the next generation of professionals develop flexible skill sets that prepare them for careers in fields evolving at the speed of technology. This is essential work for chambers of commerce.”
Supported by the Samueli Foundation, the STEM ecosystems initiative is built on over a decade of research into successful STEM collaborations, and seeks to nurture and scale effective science, technology, engineering and math learning opportunities for all young people. Launched in Denver at
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, 5 Patti Page Way, Centerville, Cape Cod, Massachusetts 02632 1-888-33CapeCod (888-332-2732) or 508-362-3225
the Clinton Global Initiative, the STEM Funder’s Network STEM Learning Ecosystems Initiative forms a National Community of Practice with expert coaching and support from leaders such as superintendents, scientists, industry and others.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is a 1,272-member organization that advocates on behalf of business to strengthen and promote regional economic vitality while addressing related cultural, environmental and community concerns. We are a catalyst and advocate for a vibrant economic community in order to create a better Cape Cod and a sustainable future.
Housed at Cape Cod Community College, the Cape Cod Regional STEM network brings together educators, school districts, business and industry partners, and community members who share a commitment to inspiring and supporting young people’s interest and achievement in STEM learning and careers.