1500 Gather for League for Innovation's First Annual STEMtech Conference

PHOENIX, AZ, November 20, 2010 (Press-News.org) The League for Innovation announced today that 1,500 educators and corporate and association leaders from the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Puerto Rico gathered October 31 - November 3, at the League for Innovation's first annual STEMtech conference in Orlando, Florida. Conference participants discussed how to increase student success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors and careers and strategically using information technology to better serve students, campuses, and communities.

The first annual STEMtech conference was a huge success. The caliber of presenters at the conference was remarkable, with topics ranging from increasing the participation of women and minorities in STEM education to managing IT services during peak demand periods. In addition, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation held a series of discussions in conjunction with the conference designed to showcase effective networking practices. The discussions highlighted how states can learn from one another as they leverage their successes transitioning learners from high school to community college, and ultimately, into the workforce. Dozens of exhibitors were also on hand to demonstrate their latest products and services.

Ed Begley, Jr., best known for his roles in St. Elsewhere, The West Wing, and Living With Ed, a reality show that chronicles how he and his wife live the green life near Los Angeles, California, delivered the opening keynote address. Begley's strong message encouraged sustainable and environmentally-friendly living practices. Michael C. Lach, special assistant, STEM Education, U.S. Department of Education, served as the closing keynote speaker and shared important information about how educators and others can help advance the country's STEM education agenda.

"Our first annual STEMtech conference brought together the best and brightest STEM and information technology professionals," said League for Innovation President and CEO Gerardo E. de los Santos. "Attending our first annual STEMtech conference was a great way for educators to learn from one another, make new connections, and discover the latest strategies, products, and services."

Planning for next year's STEMtech is already under way. Hosted by Ivy Tech Community College, the conference is being held October 2-5, 2011 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana. Individuals interested in presenting at the 2011 STEMtech can submit their proposals online at www.league.org/stemtech/cfp. A handful of presentation slots are reserved for League for Innovation Corporate Partners, who are also strongly encouraged to exhibit at the conference.

Contact: Ed Leach
(480) 705-8200 x233
leach@league.org

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.