WEST CHESTER, PA — As technology accelerates and industries rapidly transform, an alignment needs to occur between the skills today’s students are acquiring and the competencies tomorrow’s employers will be demanding. Today, West Chester University’s (WCU) Center for STEM Inclusion launched a sector analysis survey designed to gather real-time intelligence from industry leaders about the specific workforce needs that will prepare the next generation of employees and leaders in southeastern Pennsylvania. The comprehensive survey, which is being distributed to STEM employers throughout this area, represents an effort to align current educational programming with emerging industry needs across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The online survey is currently making its way to STEM employers across such key sectors as engineering, healthcare, biotechnology/pharmaceutical, energy/utilities, manufacturing, and other emerging technologies. Once completed, a study will produce actionable insights that will directly benefit local organizations as well as prepare the STEM workforce of the future.
“We are at a critical juncture where the STEM jobs of 2030 will most likely look entirely different than those of today,” said Dr. Brandon J. Mitchell, the professor of physics and engineering who helped establish and currently leads the University’s Center for STEM Inclusion. “To prepare students for that future, especially those from low-income backgrounds, our Center partners with more than 40 schools and nonprofit organizations across southeastern Pennsylvania to deliver workforce education and training to middle and high school students. This sector analysis survey is a key step—it will give us the data we need to align our programming with emerging STEM careers and ensure that students graduate equipped with the skills, knowledge, and creativity to fuel economic growth and technological innovation across southeastern PA.”
For organizations, participation in the survey represents an opportunity to provide sector specific input on their needs in future STEM careers.
“Companies often struggle to find candidates with the right combination of skill-sets,” said Mr. Homi Kapadia, a member of the Center’s executive advisory board and former Vice Chairman, Life Sciences, Global Chief Client Officer, and retired Principal at Deloitte LLP, one of the world’s largest consulting and accounting professional services firms. “I know how much of an impact a STEM education served as a foundation to my own career and see the tremendous impact the Center has on students that would never otherwise be exposed to careers in STEM. Survey results will enable us to help future employees arrive at their future jobs in southeastern Pennsylvania well prepared for the opportunities and challenges that they will face.”
The overall success of the sector analysis survey will depend upon the community’s active participation. The Center is seeking engagement from corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Participation typically requires 10-15 minutes for survey completion, with optional opportunities for follow-up discussions.
“The goal of the sector analysis survey and that of the Center are one and the same,” said Mitchell. “We want to help create a regionally responsive model for workforce development that provides students with viable pathways into well-paying, fulfilling STEM careers. It’s that simple and that transformative.”
The survey can be found by following this link: https://www.wcupa.edu/CSI . To learn more about the initiative, contact West Chester University Center for STEM Inclusion at CSI@wcupa.edu.
The WCU Center for STEM Inclusion
The WCU Center for STEM Inclusion is dedicated to empowering southeastern Pennsylvania’s K-12 children and youth to pursue fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Dedicated to student success and expanding the STEM workforce, the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion is working actively to link experts in secondary and higher education, industry, government, and education-focused non-profit organizations directly with students from families with low socioeconomic means. These nurturing collaborations yield the vital resources and support that students need to successfully pursue STEM careers. Currently, the Center is partnering with more than 40 schools in southeastern PA and local non-profit organizations.
More About West Chester University
West Chester University (WCU) is the largest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which is comprised of 10 state-owned universities within the Commonwealth of PA. Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a comprehensive public institution offering a diverse range of more than 180 academic opportunities in 40 fields of study across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the location in Philadelphia, and online. Six colleges and two schools comprise the University: University College, Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work, Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the Wells School of Music, and the Graduate School. The University is classified as an R2 (“Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity”) by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; R2 universities have “high research activity” in academic settings where teaching is the priority.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.