Gist to Attend STEAM Summit in Newport

There's no question that educators are putting a lot of emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math recently. 

That's why the phrase "STEM" is rolling out of the mouths of education leaders in virtually every report on the future of education here in Rhode Island and around the country.

But how does the desire to improve education in those areas translate into meaningful, actionable policy?

That's one of the questions that will be addressed at STEAM Summit RI, to be held at the Salve Regina University Pell Center on Bellevue Avenue in Newport on April 3.

Notice the A? It's because some people working on the issue locally believe arts should be part of the equation, too.

"Our goal is to have educators, industry leaders, and government collaborate, develop, and support the building of the next generation Rhode Island workforce to compete in the global marketplace," a release states.

The event is sponsored by the Newport County Mentor Co-Op Group and "key representatives from Rhode Island businesses, education, and government will be in attendance to discuss the importance of STEAM initiatives in our schools for the betterment of the RI economy."

STEAM Summit RI will focus on solutions and will highlight successful programs and initiatives that are in place and being supported today. Key elements of this meeting will include:

• Massachusetts STEM program overview. This program has been increasingly successful in improving their economic climate over the past twelve years by developing a unified STEM effort among their business, educational, and government sectors. In particular, attention will be focused on the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, STEM Polices and Goals, and their Annual STEM Summits
• Massachusetts Manufacturers Certification Programs, (MACWIC.ORG)
• Massachusetts Regional Educational Articulation Programs
• Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, and other efforts in STEAM education

If you are interested in attending this meeting, please contact Linda Larsen at llarsen@tivertonschool.org as soon as possible as space is limited or email steamrhodeisland@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Current sponsors for the event are Salve Regina University, Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA), Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), Bay State Financial, Prometheus, Inc, and Coated Technical Solutions. If you are interested in helping to sponsor this event, please contact Pat Burke at 401-864-4028.