The Louisiana Technology Council is preparing for its fast-approaching inaugural K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Gala, Robotics Revelry. The gala will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm at the U.S. Freedom Pavilion, a newly constructed space at the World War II Museum. The black tie preferred gala will feature an auction and include robotic demonstrations by the students in the FIRST® Robotics Competition.
The STEM Gala is supported in Louisiana by BLaST, Inc. (Building Louisiana Science and Technology) and 20% of the proceeds will go to BLaST. The LTC and BLaST have been promoting and assisting in building the STEM programs, including the FIRST® Robotics Competition in Louisiana in addition to having a, “significant impact on the facilitation of essential alignments between academic entities, business, nonprofits, and government in order to compel more and more Louisiana youth to enter, as well as complete, STEM programs.”
A Brandeis University study has found that students who participate in the competition are far more likely to attend college and twice as likely to major in science or engineering. Additionally, the students were twice as likely to expect to have a science or technology-related career post graduation. Even in this economy, there is a shortage of a skilled workforce to fill STEM jobs throughout the country. Nationally, there is an estimated 1.9 STEM postings for every qualified application. In Louisiana that number is higher, at 2.8 jobs per person.
Help support the K-12 STEM students and their promising futures by enjoy an evening with the auction, dinner, and dancing by registering here. All payments must be received by Friday, March 8, 2013 to have a seat for the gala. For more information visit ltc-la.org.