Girl Scouts visit the White House for SoSTEM

State of STEM Event 
    
SoSTEM at the White House



February 13, 2013 was the first-ever White House State of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (SoSTEM) event, nearly 100 press-pass wielding middle- and high-schoolers spent an hour questioning top S&T innovators about all things STEM.

SoSTEM marked an unprecedented opportunity for DC-area kids from local schools and organizations to grill Administration officials and others working to advance the American innovation agenda. The event was moderated by the President’s science and technology advisor—OSTP Director John P. Holdren—and  featured an all-star lineup of panelists including US CTO Todd Park, NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, and three innovators who were special guests of the First Lady during last night’s State of the Union address: NASA Mars Curiosity Flight Director Bobak Ferdowsi (best known as “Mohawk Guy”), 2012 Intel Science Competition winner Jack Andraka, and iTriage CEO Peter Hudson.



In opening remarks, Dr. Holdren emphasized the key role of STEM in addressing grand challenges and growing the economy.  He also reminded the student-filled audience that as the “patent-holders, app-developers, engineers, and explorers” of tomorrow, they are absolutely essential to achieving the President’s vision for keeping America strong.

In response to a Girl Scout, Layilah’s question about women in STEM fields, NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver noted NASA’s close partnership with the White House Council on Women and Girls, and her personal motivation to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/02/13/mohawks-mars-big-ideas-beautiful-data-addressed-white-house-state-stem-event-kids

Posted: Feb 17, 2013