Bladensburg High School is the newest addition to Maryland’s STEM Innovation School Network

The 2016-2017 AT&T-MBRT Aspire collaboration will provide educators and students at Bladensburg High with access to trained STEM workforce professionals who engage students in the real-world application of learning, designed around Maryland’s College- and Career-Ready Standards. AT&T contributed $10,000 to support the STEM Innovation School Network this year.

During an event on November 17, students engaged with a panel of veterans, higher education experts and business professionals.

Invited panelists included officials from AT&T; a ranking officer from Joint Base Andrews and Ft. Detrick; and staff from Prince George’s County Public Schools. The professionals spoke with BHS seniors, as they look to not only relaunch the STEM Club at the school, but prepare for a college and career experience focused on STEM.

In partnership with state support, a widespread network of corporate partners, and local school district alignment, the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) utilizes Maryland’s STEM Innovation Network – STEMnet – to coordinate people, resources, tools and services in support of teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This event brought together education and the workforce in mutual support for STEM across the region. The panel was on hand to engage the students in a discussion of the STEM needs for the DMV area and the nation, and focused on the vital need for programming and cyber personnel in the workforce and for national defense.

MBRT has long supported workforce professional interactions in PGCPS schools and throughout the state. In 2013, nearly 50 Maryland middle and high schools were designated as STEM Innovation Schools, providing teachers and students access to a wide network of high quality STEM professionals, partnering with teachers to engage students in the classroom with experiences aligned to Maryland state standards.

“Before being elected to Council, I worked in technology for both government and private-sector organizations, so I know what is necessary to learn and develop STEM skills. I want the young people in Prince George’s County to develop and hone those skills, too. That’s why I am excited that MBRT and AT&T are working together to introduce Bladensburg High School students to the many opportunities in STEM,” said Prince George’s Councilmember Andrea C. Harrison.

“Inspiring young people to engage in STEM activities that eventually lead to a desire to pursue a STEM degree and career is an important goal of ours,” said MBRT Executive Director, Brian Dulay. “This partnership with members of the public and private sector provides not only a fun and educational way for teens to learn classroom content, but also highlights the great need to build the next generation of STEM employees in Maryland and across the nation.”

"When we can team up with groups like MBRT and our members like AT&T to help students, our county, state and nation win. I'm excited to be part of an event that gives students from Bladensburg High School a chance to hear and learn from professionals in the community who are excelling in STEM careers," said David Harrington, president and CEO, Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce.

LaTara Harris, AT&T’s regional director for External Affairs in Greater Washington area, added: “The MBRT does great work in Maryland, connecting our students with mentors and high-quality programs that introduce them to STEM careers and the skills necessary to excel in those positions. Together, we can help Maryland – and the nation – prepare a capable and diverse pipeline of employees to fill 21st century jobs.“

Harris said the program is aligned with AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.

Founded in 1992, the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education is a non-profit coalition of leading employers that have made a long-term commitment to support education reform and improve student achievement in Maryland. For more information, visit www.mbrt.org.