*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

Cardin, Rawlings-Blake, Kamenetz to Highlight Importance of STEM Education at Microsoft Event in Baltimore 

 

Monday, February 23 at 8:30 AM, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will speak in Baltimore at a Microsoft-sponsored forum on the importance of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This event features a two-hour, interactive discussion among education, business, government and nonprofit leaders with a focus on programs to help students and educators prepare for 21st century careers. Participants will present some of the most current research and programs designed to inspire youth to attain a better education and explore opportunities that meet the requirements of tomorrow’s labor market.

According to research by the Brookings Institution, many of today’s youth are struggling to find work in our labor force. Simultaneously, open positions remain unoccupied as employers are unable to locate workers with required skillsets. Many of these unfilled jobs are in STEM – the industries that propel innovation, competition and economic growth. This “Opportunity Divide” is the focus of a global initiative launched by Microsoft in 2013 called “YouthSpark,” which aims to benefit more than 300 million young people through increased access to technology education and job skills training.

WHAT:          Microsoft YouthSpark Connections Breakfast

WHO:            U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

                        Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

                        Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz

                        Microsoft

                        Brookings Institution

Educators and Education Leaders                                          

WHEN:          Monday, February 23 @ 8:30 AM

WHERE:        B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD

HOW:            Media please RSVP to tim_zink@cardin.senate.gov.

“As we continue our efforts to grow Baltimore, we must ensure that we help our young adults meet employer demand by developing a workforce with marketable, 21st century skills,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “By investing in our young people today, we are providing them with a unique pathway to explore future careers while helping grow our future workforce—and our city.”