STEM EDUCATION

The 2007-2012 Roadmap to Florida’s Future identified the need to build world-class talent as a top priority for the state’s continued development and diversification. It specifically recommended strengthening PreK-12 math and science education.

Our increasingly knowledge based economy is driven by innovation—the foundation of which lies in a dynamic and well-educated workforce equipped with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. Going forward, more and more jobs will require at least a basic understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and/or problem solving skills developed by STEM coursework. Ensuring the availability of highly and appropriately skilled talent—with the STEM skills needed for success in the innovation economy—is one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses in Florida.

The Florida STEM Council was created in 2009 through the joint efforts of the Enterprise Florida Strategy Council, Workforce Florida, Department of Education, Florida Council of 100, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce to focus on STEM education and align STEM talent production with state business needs. Learn more about this effort by downloading the Discussion Paper.