Summer Conference Supports STEM Growth

Image of Mason's SciTech Campus

George Mason University's SciTech Campus in Manassass, Virginia will be the conference location.

Exploring opportunities to grow Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) businesses in the Northern Virginia area is the focus of an upcoming conference co-hosted by the Donald W. Steele, Sr. Memorial Chapter of the Air Force Institute and George Mason University’s Serious Game Institute and Volgenau School of Engineering on June 29, 2018. The daylong event will be held at George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.

“Growing the STEM for a Stronger Tomorrow” will bring together leaders representing a number of key stakeholders from around the country including Booz Allen Hamilton, the Pew Research Center and Nintendo as well as leaders from government agencies, education, military service organizations, and tech companies.

“While we often talk about the burgeoning field of technology here in Northern Virginia, we need to take a closer look at bridging critical STEM gaps in gender, race and socioeconomic arenas that affect America’s future workforce,” says Dean of the Volgenau School of Engineering, Ken Ball. “Moreover, we want to address the need to support tech startups in this area and create a positive environment to encourage future tech business ventures.

The conference -- targeted to government employees, industry members, academia and students -- is free for students and educators, active duty military, and state and federal government employees.

“We encourage our associates from area school districts, government leaders, and government agency to join us to work toward a solution that benefits the development of this important field and support its growth in our region,” says Kammy Sangehara, executive director of STEM Outreach for the Volgenau School of Engineering.