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We have the opportunities. Do our students have the right skills?

We have a unique challenge in America today. There are more young people than ever before, and according to research by the Brookings Institution, many of them are struggling to find work in our labor force. Meanwhile many open jobs are unfilled because employers cannot find workers with the skills they need. Many of these unfilled jobs are in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields (STEM) – the industries that drive innovation, competition and economic growth. What are we doing to address this skills gap and prepare our students to enter and excel in these competitive industries? Microsoft, in collaboration with the Brookings Institution, is exploring this urgent question in an exclusive event series called Microsoft YouthSpark Connection. Join us as we delve into the most up-to-date research on youth, education, and opportunity to see how we can better meet the demands of the labor market through education. We invite you to participate in a conversation with prominent leaders from San Diego’s education, government, and the civic community as they share their perspectives and insights to address the youth opportunity divide: Dr. Heather Lattimer, Department Chair and Associate Professor, University of San Diego Richard Barrera, Board Trustee, San Diego Unified School District Shelly Anguiano Figueroa, Chief Executive Officer of San Marcos Boys & Girls Clubs Darryl LaGace, Executive VP of Global Business Development, Lightspeed Systems Andrew Ko, General Manager, U.S. Partners in Learning, Education at Microsoft Andrea Taylor, Director, Citizenship & Public Affairs, North America at Microsoft Maureen Magee, Education Reporter, U-T San Diego Through thought-provoking presentations and a panel discussion, we’ll address key issues such as: What’s the role of education in preparing students for careers? How do we ensure the education we deliver creates tangible benefits for our students? How can students position themselves through education to meet the demands of the labor market? How will higher education be affected by growth and evolution in the STEM fields over the coming decade? Space is limited for this one-time, one-day only event. RSVP today to join our distinguished speakers and panelists and help ensure a better future for our students. Invitation Key: 83ACA2 REGISTER BY FEB. 16th! Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer not to receive future promotional emails from Microsoft Corporation please click here. These settings will not affect any newsletters you've requested or any mandatory service communications that are considered part of certain Microsoft services. To set your contact preferences for Microsoft Communications, click here. Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052           Invitation Key: 83ACA2 REGISTER BY FEB. 16th! YouthSpark Connection 2.28.13 8:00am – 8:30am Registration and Breakfast 8:30am – 8:50am Video and Student Story 8:50am – 9:10am Brookings Research Presentation 9:10am – 9:30am Microsoft Response 9:30am – 10:10am Panel Discussion / Q&A 10:10am – 10:30am Microsoft Close / YouthSpark in Action   10:30am Departures University of San Diego Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, Executive Classroom 5998 Alcla Park San Diego, CA 92110   Parking: Please be sure to obtain a parking permit at the campus entry kiosk. You may park in the West Parking structure and take a free campus tram or walk to the venue.   More from Corporate Citizenship       Website    Blog   Facebook   Twitter