There's a move afoot in Sacramento to improve the educational level of the workforce to support the burgeoning technology industry. According to the American Electronics Association (AEA), Sacramento is California's fastest growing cyber-city and the state's sixth largest in high-tech industry employment. But to ensure that future growth can be supported, it is imperative that Sacramento has a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational pipeline.

A regional collaborative effort including Aerojet, Educational Testing Services, Intel, Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance, Sacramento State, Sierra College, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and UC Davis plans to hold a Summit on April 2nd.

The goal of the Summit is to create the foundation for collaboration to attain the vision. The vision is to 'establish the Sacramento region as having the strongest kindergarten-to-workforce STEM pipeline in California within the next three to five years and within the nation in the next five to seven years.' Gaps in the regional STEM pipeline will be identified and action plans will be developed to improve, extend, and maintain the pipeline to meet the labor force needs of the region.

Sounds like a super idea. And with true bi-partisan support - both Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Lungren will be on hand. We will update you as progress is revealed. And let's hope that all segments of Sacramento society are invited to attend and participate.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive