On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, in Central Square, Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale and Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Salim convened the first meeting of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Advisory Committee.
“There are world-class institutions of higher education, science and tech businesses, and non-profit organizations located in our City and we want to do everything we can to ensure that all young people, particularly our underserved students, are prepared to take advantage of the incredible opportunities in their home city,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “We have assembled an impressive group of leaders for this new STEAM Advisory Committee and I cannot thank the participants enough for making the time to work on this important endeavor.”
Comprised of business, higher education, City and School Department leaders, the STEAM Advisory Committee will serve as a group of strategic advisors who will generate momentum, support, and resources for the citywide STEAM initiative.
“Engaging, high-quality STEAM education unlocks so many doors for students,” said Superintendent Salim. “I am excited to convene a talented group of leaders who are positioned to build pathways whereby students from diverse backgrounds will be prepared and inspired to enter STEAM professions.” He continued, “Ultimately, our goal is for Cambridge to take our place as pioneers in pairing equity with innovation in STEAM Education.”
Committee members will act as champions, bringing their energy and expertise to help lift up STEAM education in the City of Cambridge, and identify and facilitate partnerships with businesses, higher education, city and community organizations that are aligned with school, community, and students’ needs. The Committee will assist the Cambridge Public Schools and the City in ensuring that strategies and actions undertaken through the STEAM initiative increase access to and success in STEAM experiences for all learners.
STEAM Committee members are: Peter Abair, MassBioED; Anda Adams, Cambridge Public Schools; Chris Barr, Biogen Foundation; Karen Brennan, Harvard Graduate School of Education (Harvard University); Kyle Browne, MIT; Stephanie Couch, Lemelson-MIT (MIT); Sue Cusack, Lesley University; P.A. D’Arbeloff, Cambridge Science Festival; Henrietta Davis, Community Resident; Louis DePasquale, City of Cambridge; Frank Doyle, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Harvard University); Tom Evans, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority; Sarah MacDonald, Life Science Cares; Maria McCauley, City of Cambridge; Geeta Pradhan, Cambridge Community Foundation; Tim Rowe, Cambridge Innovation Center; Kenneth Salim, Cambridge Public School District; Liz Schwab, Google; Sunny Schwartz, Metro North Regional Employment Board; Ellen Semonoff, City of Cambridge; Linda Thackery, Microsoft; Carolyn Turk, Cambridge Public School District; Kim Vandiver, Edgerton Center (MIT); Sue Walsh, City of Cambridge; Jason Weeks, City of Cambridge.