The Workforce of the Future: A Policy Discussion on STEM and Computer Science Education

America’s long-term global competitiveness is dependent on the development of a strong science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. In fact, careers in STEM are the fastest growing industry in the United States and computing occupations make up two-thirds of all projected new jobs within STEM.

How do we prepare today’s generation of American children and teens to be tomorrow’s workforce? What policy reforms are needed at the federal, state, and local levels to support computer science education and put more computers in classrooms? What public-private partnerships are helping to engage young Americans in computer science and STEM?

The Hill and Microsoft will convene policymakers, industry executives, and educators to discuss work readiness and computer science education.

10:30 a.m. Welcome remarks from PEGGY JOHNSON, Executive Vice President, Microsoft

10:40 a.m. Keynote interview with GOVERNOR ASA HUTCHINSON (R-AR) in conversation with BOB CUSACK, Editor in chief, The Hill

11:00 a.m. Thought-Leader roundtable, featuring:

• JAMES BROWN, Executive Director, STEM Coalition
• LAUREN HOLLOWAY, Software Development Instructor, We Can Code IT
• FEOWYN MACKINNON, Head of School, MC2 STEM High School

in conversation with BOB CUSACK, Editor in chief, The Hill

11:25 a.m. Program concludes

Sponsored by Microsoft