David Thornburg and Jim Brazell to Keynote Second Annual STEMtech Conference

    PHOENIX, AZ, March 17, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The League for Innovation in the Community College announced today that David Thornburg and Jim Brazell will serve as keynote speakers at the second annual STEMtech conference, a four-day event during which K-16 educators, as well as community and industry leaders, will join together for in-depth, interactive presentations and discussions about increasing student access into and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. The 2011 STEMtech, hosted by Ivy Tech Community College, is also designed to help educators explore the strategic use of technology to better serve their students, their campuses, and their communities.

David Thornburg is an award-winning futurist, author, and consultant whose clients range across the public and private sector in the United States and Brazil. His razor-sharp focus on the fast-paced world of modern computing and communication media, project-based learning, 21st century skills, and open-source software has placed him in constant demand as a keynote speaker and workshop leader for schools, foundations, and governments. Thornburg's most recent book, STEM Education: From Sputnik to the 22nd Century (2010), explores the current problems the nation faces and examines proven strategies that can be applied in the classroom to not only provide needed knowledge and skills, but also to engage students in the joy of working in STEM fields. His last book, When the Best Is Free, explores the world of free open-source software in education, with special emphasis on tools for use by students.

Jim Brazell is a technology forecaster, strategist, and public speaker focusing on innovation and transformation, and is known as a boundary spanner who connects topics related to STEM pedagogy and workforce, education, and economic development strategy. Since 2005, Jim has served as a volunteer to the Defense Learning Strategies Consortium, NSF Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative, Texas STEM Action Committee, Information Technology and Security Academy, San Antonio-Austin Nano-Bio-Tech Summit, and the San Antonio Cyber Security Action Team. Brazell has authored several emerging technology forecasts and briefs for the Texas State Technical College Program for Emerging Technologies that analyze the role of emerging technologies and deliver forward-looking recommendations for community colleges, career and technical education, and workforce education.

"This fall's keynote speakers will fit extremely well with the 2011 STEMtech, especially since they both will provide critical information about how educators and others can increase the number of students moving through the STEM education pipeline, as well as how they can effectively use educational technology to improve student learning," said Gerardo E. de los Santos, League for Innovation President and CEO.

Proposals to present at the 2011 STEMtech are being sought until April 15 for the following conference tracks:

STEM Tracks
- Health and Science
- Energy, Environment, and Sustainability
- Mathematics, Engineering, and Architecture
- Manufacturing, Industry, Agriculture, and Aerospace
- Technology and Communication
- Recruiting, Retaining, and Transitioning Students Into STEM Programs (NEW)

tech Tracks
- Technology Systems and Applications
- E-Learning Resources

The 2011 STEMtech conference will also provide an excellent venue for companies to showcase their latest and greatest products and services to K-16 educators. A handful of presentation slots are reserved for League for Innovation Corporate Partners, who are strongly encouraged to submit proposals and exhibit at the conference. Corporate Partners also have the opportunity to sponsor various activities, including the Conference Program, keynote speakers, receptions, coffee and refreshment breaks, and more.

Early registration and group discounts for the 2011 STEMtech are available now through September 9. Detailed information regarding registration, exhibiting, travel and hotel, and the conference at a glance can be found at www.league.org/stemtech.

Contact: Edward J. Leach
(480) 705-8200 x233
[email protected]

The League for Innovation is an international organization dedicated to supporting community colleges. The League is the only major international organization specifically committed to improving community colleges through innovation, experimentation, and institutional transformation. The organization hosts conferences and institutes, develops web resources, conducts research, produces publications, provides services, and leads projects and initiatives with its member colleges, corporate partners, and other agencies in its continuing effort to make a positive difference for students and communities.

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