Harrisburg University of Science and Technology congratulates our very own John Friend, Associate Vice President for Secondary Programs and Partners, who has been named one of 36 ambassadors in the Pennsylvania STEM Ambassadors Program.
The program aims to shape the future of STEM education in the commonwealth by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leaders in the areas of STEM learning ecosystems, computer science, state and federal policy for formal and informal education, and workforce needs.
Ambassadors met for their inaugural training session last week at the Center for Schools and Communities, a statewide training and consulting organization that offers a continuum of efforts around education topics.
Representing leaders and emerging leaders in corporate, PreK-12 and higher education, and afterschool programs from 18 counties, PA STEM Ambassadors have agreed to invest the next nine months in training and education to share expertise and content knowledge with influential stakeholders to help develop a stronger voice in shaping STEM education policy issues.
“In order for Pennsylvania to be competitive and lead in STEM policy, we need to develop leaders who find bipartisan support in advancing STEM education policies and have the respect and influence to affect change,” said Laura Saccente, director of Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool and Youth Development Network. “The PA STEM Ambassadors will be a vital part in shaping these policies.”
