21st Century Workforce Commission

1
21st Century Workforce Commission

• Prof. Geoffrey Orsak
• School of Engineering and Applied Science
• SMU

2
Growth in Technology
Vertical-axis

• Speed of CPUs
• Speed Networks
• Prevalence of technology
• High-Tech job openings
• Starting salaries
• Price of stock

Time
3
Limits on growth?
Vertical-axis

• US Graduates from Engineering Programs
• National math scores
• Workforce

• Time

4
Time-scale for Solutions

• Short-term solutions
• Univ./Ind. training programs
• Increase in H1-B Visas
• Mid to long-term solutions
• education overhaul K-12, CC, Universities,
  life-long learning

5
Partnerships will be key

• Effective education programs require strong
  partnerships
• Universities expertise
• Industry motivation, resources
• Government responsibility
• Schools ground zero

6
One Example The INFINITY Project

• The INFINITY Project
• SMU/TI Partnership
• K-12 focused
• DISD, HISD, FBISD, private schools
• Primary Goal Elevate Engineering and Technology
  to an even footing with science and math in K-12.
  

7
Our Milestones

• Develop curriculum
• Train teachers
• Partner with Administrators and State Education
  leaders to ensure rapid deployment

8
Curricular Approach

• Our focus is on the FUNDAMENTALS of modern
  engineering in the era of high technology
• students are motivated
• makes math/science relevant
• its fun and exciting!

9
We will have succeeded when...

• HSs require at least one engineering/technology
  course
• not how to use computers
• Schools require language, science, math, history,
  PE
• Information Age they should also require
  engineering/technology.

10
A Recommendation

• Call on ALL school districts nationwide to
  institute a HS based engineering/technology
  curriculum
• not limited to students who self-select
• not limited to students who excel in math/science
• not a training course for industry
• it should open new opportunities for all students

11
Contact Information

• The INFINITY Project
• Prof. Geoffrey C. Orsak, Director
• School of Engineering and Applied Science
• Southern Methodist University
• Dallas, TX 75275
• gorsak_at_seas.smu.edu