IE Driving National STEM movement

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (May 12, 2009) – Innovate-Educate New Mexico (IENM), a statewide catalyst in 21st century education, today announced that nearly 700 technology industry executives, educators and government officials from all over the country participated in the inaugural IENM conference earlier this month at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The non-profit group also sees this event as just the beginning to a bigger, national movement that supports improvements in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

IENM 2009 provided three days of dynamic collaboration and brought together state and national leaders in industry, education, and government to coordinate existing efforts and collaborate on new ideas that better engage students specifically in STEM fields. Organizers also did it an interesting way – including talk show formats such as “The View” and “The Late Show with David Letterman” (which surprisingly featured a live band) as well as a presidential-style debate and remarks from several of the state’s top elected officials.

New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish opened the conference and talked about the concept of an “Edu-conomy” – her vision of a seamless intersection of education and the economy. “We need an exemplary investment in education and human capital in New Mexico,” said Denish. “Together, we can build and invest in every citizen in the state through collaborative efforts just like we are seeing here today at Innovate-Educate New Mexico.”

U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) via video presentation talked about the success of the America COMPETES Act as well as new legislation currently in House committee called the Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2009 (H.R. 558). “Science and technology are at the heart of nation’s ability to compete in a global economy and to solve our most pressing challenges,” added Bingamam. “Our future hinges on the next generation of scientists and engineers. I look forward to continuing to work with Innovate-Educate New Mexico.”

Senator Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) commented that New Mexico schools and our economy will perform at a higher level if students know that every day puts them one step closer to a good job in a growing industry. Udall added, “Innovate-Educate New Mexico has put together an impressive team that will give our students a crucial advantage and ensure that our country remains competitive. I look forward to our continued work together.”

Representatives from nearly 20 of the world’s top IT companies have joined the IENM Board of Directors and will provide the thought leadership needed to steer the organization in today’s global economy. IENM Chairman and Intel’s Corporate Affairs Director for New Mexico and Texas Jami Grindatto says he sees IENM as a major step in the work to advance education in New Mexico and nationwide by helping to build a motivated and prepared workforce. Adds Grindatto, “We are all in this together, and we must work together in a collaborative, systematic way to ensure our students receive the education that stimulates their intellectual curiosity and maximizes their creative talents.”

Education continues to play a central role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century and is crucial for the development of knowledge-based economies. By IENM initiating such a unique educational effort that creates new opportunities and fosters new ideas on a state and national level, it may just serve as a the first straightforward model this county has seen for delivering systematic improvements in engineering and science education by applying best practices in a coordinated and methodical way.

Dr. Ray Johnson, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Lockheed Martin commented on the event, the role Innovate-Educate New Mexico will have in the future, and the critical nature of improving today’s educational system. “At Lockheed Martin, we clearly understand the need to nurture an interest in STEM education to develop a new generation of students to become tomorrow’s technology leaders. A younger generation, with an aptitude for science and a desire to pursue technical career fields, is vital to our corporation and essential to our competitiveness as a nation,” says Johnson. “Lockheed Martin is proud to be partnered with Innovate-Educate New Mexico in preparing the statewide vision for STEM education and technology literacy in New Mexico schools.”

New Mexico has made great strides in learning and promoting STEM education, including the creation of the New Mexico Public Education Math & Science Bureau in July 2006. However, New Mexico will face a severe shortage of scientists and engineers over the next decade if we can’t reach students quickly and effectively.

IENM Executive Director Jamai Blivin concludes that IENM will seek to have a positive effect on our education system by continuing to support invigorating and inspiring curriculum, internships, mentorships and industry involvement. “This can be accomplished through collaboration throughout the state as well as across the U.S.,” adds Blivin. “We are honored to have the leadership of IT experts from across the country as well as top education advisors from across New Mexico involved. Technology has been the driving force of our economy for the last 50 years, and it will continue to be for the next 50. In order for New Mexico to remain competitive today, we must build systems that increase education attainment and success.”