Dear Faculty, Staff, Principals, Teachers, and Students,

Welcome to the first annual STEM Summit! On behalf of Tallahassee Community College, and in partnership with Leon County Schools, we are delighted to have you join us for this year’s event.

It is predicted that 60 percent of all children attending school today will work in career fields that do not currently exist. That means we need to develop a workforce of skilled critical thinkers who know how to create, innovate and solve problems. Studies show that in order to produce such talent, greater emphasis needs to be placed on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education which stimulates students’ minds, cultivating that sense of curiosity and eagerness to enhance knowledge and empower creativity.

With this in mind, TCC and LCS have streamlined their partnership efforts and developed a cohesive educational pipeline that seeks to build a skilled workforce through seamless educational transfer opportunities, career pathways, apprenticeships, and targeted job placement. Today you will hear from several great speakers (including many successful TCC graduates) who will offer their advice on how we can further help prepare our students to become the innovative leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you to our many attendees and partners who made this event possible. A special thank you to the National Science Foundation and the TCC Foundation for their generous support.

Together, we are building a stronger future for our community, state, and nation.

Jim Murdaugh

President