Fostering STEM education remains an important task for this country. A few companies recently earned accolades for their role in encouraging innovation through a variety of STEM-related disciplines. Innovate+Educate, an organization focused on pairing STEM education with workforce development, awarded five companies with the first ever HIRE awards.
At the Nexus of Science Education and Innovation
AmeriHealth Caritas, Bank of America, Boeing, Gilchrist Construction Company, and Southwire earned the HIRE awards, while Big Ass Fans and the City of Albuquerque, NM garnered honorable mentions. Innovate+Educate founder, Jamai Bliven, stressed the need to challenge companies to innovate in hiring. “Many of the companies that applied are doing great work in seeking new ways to hire, and our goal for this award is to continue to challenge companies to ‘rise to a new level’ in employing talent in unique and innovative ways,” said Bliven.
U.S. News and World Report were part of the team of judges for the HIRE awards. Their editor, Brian Kelly, enjoyed being part of the process. “I am pleased to join with Innovate+Educate in presenting this award. As U.S. News & World Report continues to focus on STEM solutions, we know that hiring strategies are critical in building the workforce for the future,” said Kelly.
Bliven feels there are many talented workers who didn’t necessarily receive STEM-oriented education while following a more traditional schooling path. She hopes companies will begin to adapt to find the best possible employees. “Not everyone has the opportunity or the time or the financial ability for four years of school right after high school. I think it’s critical that all students and job seekers get STEM skills and education. But not everyone will get them from a traditional education-first path. You can get them on the job. The employer’s role could be to create a foundation for STEM,” said Bliven.
If you are interested in furthering your prospects in a STEM-related discipline, talk to the experts at Scientific Search. As one of the top STEM staffing companies on the East Coast, they can help you and your career.