Group Continues to Battle Skills Gap ‘Crisis’

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The chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based Project Lead The Way says Indiana must “develop our own” to fill an expected increase in science, technology, engineering and math-related job openings over the next five years. Vince Bertram says the skills gap is “a crisis that's growing” and teaching students STEM-related skills is imperative for a vibrant economy. In an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, he says a $6 million partnership with Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) and a planned elementary program will provide a “major boost.” The U.S. Department of Commerce projects STEM-related jobs will increase by 17 percent over the next five years. Bertram says such jobs typically pay higher wages than non-STEM jobs.

Last month, Project Lead The Way announced the three-year partnership with Chevron. The organization says the deal will make its education programs available to thousands of additional students throughout the United States.

The group will host a panel discussion Sunday focused on preparing students for the future work force. The November 17 event will also examine STEM education's impact on the state's economy.

Source: Project Lead The Way