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S.T.E.M.

Early in 2005, Honolulu Advertiser’s Newspaper in Education (NIE) Director Jennifer Dang and Lynn Fujioka (WIT Oahu Project Manager and President/Founder of isisHawaii) began a passionate conversation to address Hawaii's need for a qualified STEM workforce in Hawaii.

As a result of their efforts, an unprecedented alliance was formed among the Honolulu Advertiser, the Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project and isisHawaii to improve the STEM education to workforce pipeline throughout the state.

Although there were already STEM programs and initiatives in place in Hawaii, Dang and Fujioka realized these efforts would be significantly more effective if they were somehow connected to leverage individual strengths and align missions.

The first milestone came in April 2006 when the STEM Hawaii newspaper tabloid was developed and published.

Entitled “What is S.T.E.M. and why YOU should care,” this comprehensive people’s report was the first to unite diverse academic, government and industry groups in finding solutions for the growing shortage of qualified science and technology professionals across the islands. Anchoring the piece was a statewide survey conducted by the Maui Economic Development Board projecting the growth of the tech industry in Hawaii and the specific skill sets needed for the future.

In 2007, a second STEM Hawaii edition, “The New 3Rs – Rigor, Relevance & Relationships,” was published in tandem with the launch of this website. Although declining academic standings and increased demands for a technologically-qualified workforce are still major issues, our communities are now committed to working together to better prepare students for 21st century careers.

If you are a student, professional or interested party who wants to get involved, please email us at info@stemhawaii.com. 

Mahalo!

 

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