Targeted Industries

STEM Expo 2011

On Friday, November 4th the WCF Department of Strategic Initiatives & Research, in partnership with the University of Central Florida and Cypress Creek High School presented STEM Expo 2011. This event featured STEM and New & Emerging Industry partners such as Disney, Embry-Riddle University, and Northrup Grumman. It also included science breakout sessions and over 29 industry partner exhibits impacting the lives of 1400 students to pique their interest in a future STEM Career!

 



As Central Florida diversifies its industries through sectors such as digital media, photonics, simulation and renewable and sustainable energy, technology companies are anticipated to grow through entrepreneurship, relocation and expansion.  With this projected increase, the region must be prepared to provide the science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), as well as new and emerging industries needed to staff these companies.
 
To build this workforce, the region must address several challenges:
  1. Increase our local youth’s interest in STEM and new and emerging careers and inspire them to pursue education in these subjects.
  2. Educate the region’s teachers in STEM and new and emerging careers.
  3. Retain students in these college majors.
 
WCF addresses these challenges through a three-pronged approach: K-12 student recruitment into STEM and new and emerging majors and careers; teacher preparedness and readiness to teach STEM and new and emerging subjects; and retention in STEM and emerging majors/training.
 
As a Central Florida job seeker you can take advantage of projects for these initiatives, such as:
  • Obtain short-term training in weatherization and other renewable and sustainable energy topics.
  • Apply for summer internships for high school students in new and emerging industries.
  • High school seniors may apply for scholarships to study science, technology, engineering, math and new and emerging industries.
  • Apply for a STEM or New and Emerging Industry internship.
If you are interested in any of the above initiatives, please contact Nirmala Ramlakhan at nramlakhan@wcfla.com.