‘Building 21st Century Workforce’ conference

A “Building the 21st Century Workforce” conference will be held Friday, Jan. 29, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), Staples.

This program will bring business leaders, college staff, agency personnel and educators together to focus on student preparation. It will feature an overview of a number of initiatives that will focus on college and career readiness in a technology-based economy. Topics include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education, best practices by program area, PLTW (Project Lead The Way) trainings K-12, college credit options, robotics competitions, equipment sharing programs, and building business connections.

Presenters include:

Doug Paulson - MDE State Director of STEM.

Tim Walker – Pequot Tool- Worker Education Program.

Christian Breczinski – M State - Wadena.

Curt Helgeson/Sonya McNamara - MN PLTW staff.

Shelli-Kae Foster - Youth Energy Summit.

Mike Shrode - Technology/Robotics Program.

Darla Hoemberg - MN Workforce Center.

Mary Gottsch, Brainerd COC/Bridges - New Student Program.

Best Practice Sharing by grade levels - Bring your ideas.

Registration is free and lunch will be provided.

Register by Jan. 22, with Bart Graves at 218-895-4152 or bart.graves@njpacoop.org.