Northam establishes Virginia STEM Education Commission

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam this week signed an executive order to establish the Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Commission, which will develop a state STEM plan to create a unified statewide vision for how educators prepare students for STEM jobs.

First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam will chair the commission. Other members will include state and local stakeholders, including representatives of early childhood, K-12, post-secondary, out-of- school, informal, and environmental education programs, as well as workforce development, business, and industry partners from every region of Virginia, according to the governor.

“As a pediatric neurologist, I recognize the importance of having a strong STEM background, and have made enhancing the Commonwealth’s STEM education a top priority of mine since day one,” Northam said. “Our ability to remain one of the best states for education, innovation, and business depends upon how well we prepare our next generation for 21st century jobs. With its focus on addressing the evolving workforce needs and the persistent disparities in our education system, this commission will play a key role in ensuring we give all our students an opportunity to succeed in STEM-related fields.”

The Virginia STEM Education Commission will be tasked with addressing what Northam termed educational inequities that may limit access to advanced courses in STEM disciplines, credentials, and work-based learning for underrepresented students in the state.

“Fifty years ago this week, the United States did the impossible and sent a man to the moon,” said Pamela Northam. “This groundbreaking accomplishment was made possible by pioneering women in STEM right here in Virginia. We want to ensure the commonwealth has a diverse and robust STEM workforce for the next 50 years and beyond.”

The commission will encourage collaboration among government and non- government entities on collective goals to support efforts to track state data and outcome metrics, reshape future curriculum and course design, and inform state and local policy, according to state officials. It also will evaluate and recommend ways to optimize and align public-private partnerships and local, state, and federal resources to enhance programs and services for Virginia’s children and their families, particularly those at higher risk.

“We must ensure equitable opportunities and access for every Virginian to become a vital part of a robust STEM ecosystem, no matter their race, zip code, socioeconomic status, or gender,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “With the establishment of this commission, we are reaffirming our commitment to improve our STEM ecosystem so that it is vibrant, healthy, and representative of all people in our Commonwealth.”

The commission will issue a written report with its findings and recommendations by July 1, 2020.