On Friday, April 9, 2021, Senator Jim Carlson (DFL- Eagan) and Senator Melisa Franzen (DFL- Edina) will host a virtual STEM Advocacy Day at the Capitol to advocate for STEM education funding. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. The event will include presentations from student robotics teams and dialogue with STEM nonprofits in attendance. In advance of the virtual event, Senators Carlson and Franzen released the following statements:
“I am proud to support student opportunities in STEM education that can bring enrichment, leadership and community building opportunities to our students. That is why I have enthusiastically hosted STEM Advocacy Day at the Capitol since 2017,” said Senator Melisa Franzen. “STEM is not just about preparing Minnesota’s students for the jobs of tomorrow- it is also an area that can spark curiosity and passion in our students if we at the legislature provide the resources and the opportunities. Senator Carlson and I are thrilled to extend an invite to join us for STEM Advocacy Day on April 9 to anyone who wants to learn more and support STEM funding in Minnesota.”
“STEM funding is a critical need for our students and is one of the most impactful investments we can make in our state. Past funding for ‘robotics hubs’ in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota has driven student opportunities and achievement. I can’t wait for so many Minnesotans to see the fruits of that investment through the demonstrations of the FIRST Robotics teams attending this year’s STEM Advocacy Day,” said Senator Jim Carlson. “Preparing a 21st Century workforce for Minnesota requires the legislature to invest in student opportunities that build 21st Century skills. That’s why I have introduced SF 866, which will provide funding for grants to enable more of Minnesota’s students to participate in robotics. This bill is a small but key step towards investing in our schools and students and I hope that Chair Chamberlain will give the bill a hearing soon.”
STEM Advocacy Day will take place from 11:30am- 1:00pm on Friday, April 9th. The event will be livestreamed on Senator Franzen’s Facebook page. Senators Franzen and Carlson will answer questions from the public about STEM Education and STEM Funding from the online chat during the Facebook Livestream.