The STEAM symposium is hosted by the Gem Cultural Educational Center, a 501(c)3 founded in 1991, with a mission to develop and promote visual and performing arts professionals and to become a leader in results-oriented arts-in-education programming and community development. The event, free to the public but registration is required. The purpose of the event is to invite business, education, and civic leaders from across the metropolitan area to gather in this urban core venue to discuss the future of our entire community as it relates to workforce development and the importance of inclusive real-world learning opportunities for our current and future citizens.

In the months ahead, the GCEC is pivoting to its new brand and mission “iSTEAMkc”, focused on combining the arts, media technology and workforce development in our community. During the September 14^th Symposium they will introduce the program, along with plans for their new headquarters at a soon-to- be renovated Wendell Phillips School at 24th & Vine.  The goal for the symposium is to gather stakeholders who are often siloed throughout the community, facilitate two meaningful discussions, and serve as a catalyst for the creation, development and honing of the iSTEAMkc plan. It is an invitation to keep the conversation alive, collaborative and inclusive.

Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight will participate as a panelist in the discussion of “The Role of Philanthropic and Educational Communities in Workforce Development” from 1:15-2:00pm.  Hope you will join us – register here!