Business Education Summit Speaker Says Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Belong to Everyone

The Education Foundation’s 15th Annual Business Education Summit was held October 27 and was a big success. Nearly 300 business and education leaders attended the event which was centered around the theme: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Keys to Our Future Workforce. The Summit included a keynote address, panel presentations and table discussion as well as award presentations.

This year’s keynote speaker, Susan Lavrakas, spoke to the group about the importance of STEM education, calling the international growth in these areas a “gathering storm” that demands our attention if we are to remain globally competitive. Lavrakas is Government Relations Director with BAE Systems, a global aerospace company and currently serves as Chair of the Workforce Committee of the Aerospace Industries Association.

Lavrakas outlined a three-tiered approach to STEM education that has been effective in regions and states across the country. First, identify best practices, then reach out and collaborate with others who desire to advance education in key STEM-related areas and finally, work together on public awareness and mobilization campaigns. She also emphasized that solutions to the challenges concerning STEM education must stretch across the pipeline—from K-12 to vocational colleges to four- year colleges.

Following the keynote address, three business leaders from the Trident region discussed ways to advance and sustain STEM education for students in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Gary Scott, Director of Total Force Management at SPAWAR discussed the importance of partnerships with education that are formed at the district level. Clint Lucas, Human Resources Manager at Showa Denko Carbon, stressed that education must build on children’s natural curiosity about how things work and give real-world problems that require students to think through processes and solutions for themselves. Jonathan Zucker, President, The InterTech Group, invited the audience to think about STEM in broad terms – that creativity, troubleshooting and thinking about cause-and-effect are required in every career path.

The panel discussion led into discussions at each table, where participants discussed how they could be involved in STEM education and what steps they would recommend to generate, maintain and sustain a movement toward world-class STEM education in this region.

Zucker Family Champions for Education Award Announced at Summit

The Zucker Family Champions for Education Award recognized John Farrish and Tony Johnson who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing the mission and achieving the vision of The Education Foundation at the 15th Annual Business Education Summit October 27.

Retiring to the Lowcountry after a career as a senior executive in private client services with Wells Fargo in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, John Farrish has been pivotal to implementing the mission and strategies of The Education Foundation.

“John came to the Foundation with clear requirements regarding his volunteering, he knew what he wanted – projects with a beginning and end where he could make a difference -- but we had no idea what a gift we were getting,” said David Ramey, chairman, The Education Foundation. “He started by serving on an Organizational Development task force, and volunteered to explore the opportunities available through social venture philanthropy. Knowing that we needed to increase our business volunteer base, he expanded our numbers through relationships he built among his own neighbors and friends, hosting a friend raising meeting in his own home that gained us significant new talented allies.”

Farrish currently serves on the Career Academy Master Plan Task Force and organized a group of business volunteers who visited more than a dozen area schools to do an asset inventory of career preparation programs in all four of our school districts; he does his “homework” carefully and always gives well thought out reports that help to advance The Foundation’s agenda. Farrish traveled on "field trips" to Pensacola and Jacksonville to learn first-hand about career academies that were recommended as national models by the Ford Motor Company’s Next Generation Learning Community program. He made invaluable observations during and as a result of each trip and we are the better for it.

“John is a volunteer of extraordinary 'sand and sense'. He has the uncanny ability to listen intently, research widely, challenge appropriately and then bring wise and welcome recommendations to the table,” said Allen Wutzdorff, Executive Director, The Education Foundation.

Also receiving the award was Tony Johnson. When The Education Foundation formed the “P-20” Council in 2008, Johnson stepped up to the plate and volunteered to be a part of it. He recognized the importance and possibilities of making seamless transitions between all levels of education and into the world of work. Although initially agreeing to co-chair this council, he soon found himself to be the sole chair and yet he forged ahead.

“Tony’s vision and persistence have helped make the Council a significant new presence in our region for tackling the challenge of ensuring that when students leave one level of education, they are prepared for the next level and then for successful entry into a career,” said Ramey.

He has led two successful symposiums that have brought together educators from middle school, high school and two and four year colleges along with members of the business community. "Not only is he a taker and leader, he is a great collaborator. We applaud his role in helping to create the new STEM Center of Excellence at The Citadel, where he is Dean of the School of Education," said Wutzdorff.

Business/Education Partnership Awards Given to Area Businesses Making a Difference in Public Education

The Education Foundation and College of Charleston School of Business and Economics and School of Education joined in presenting the Business Education Partnership Awards at the Business Education Summit October 27.

In September, schools in the tri-county area (Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Two and Four Districts) were asked to nominate a business or community partner that helps create our future workforce in alignment with this year’s Summit theme “Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM): Education Keys to Our Future Workforce.” One winner was selected in each of four school districts.

Berkeley County - Hanahan Veterinary Clinic: Dr. Todd and the Hanahan Veterinary Clinic has been a business partner at Hanahan High School since 2003 and is their longest standing supporter of the Renaissance Recognition Program which aligns with the goals of Personal Pathways to Success. Hanahan Veterinary Clinic provides information about employers’ expectations for the workforce, they have offered students veterinary science shadowing opportunities, served as career speakers and have given financial support to the school-wide incentive program.

During every student’s annual Individual Graduation Plan meeting counselors discuss with students and their parents how their student’s academic record is positioning them for success in their chosen career path. Counselors and teachers constantly emphasize the academic rigor required to compete in our global society that increasingly demands proficiency in scientific principles and practices.

Students are encouraged to become Renaissance students which is an academic distinction that will inspire their graduation from high school and continue on to join the workforce, service in the military or attend a two or four year college.

Charleston County - Novus Architects

Dorchester 2 - The Bosch Group

Dorchester 4 - SPAWAR

Click here to read more details on the award winners.

Become a Principal for a Day - December 2

Principal for a Day (PFD) programs have a long track record of success in many school districts across the country. Inviting community leaders to shadow a principal for a day is a concept designed to help participants understand the rewards and rigors of the educational system today and also build a stronger foundation between businesses and schools.

For the seventh year, The Education Foundation is soliciting the business community to participate in PFD Thursday, December 2, 2010 where they will work with the Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester Two and Four School Districts to match them with the appropriate business person. Principals are asked not to plan a special day but rather to let their executive see what the day-to-day work of a principal involves. Various “guest principal” activities include attending assemblies and performances, reading with students, handing out awards, meeting with teachers and observing students in their classrooms.

More importantly, PFD allows leaders in schools and the business community to share ideas, resources, and a sense of responsibility for public education. By providing a first-hand perspective of the decisions and responsibilities principals face daily, participants are encouraged to become engaged in public education.

The next day there is a de-briefing breakfast where participants share their experiences. If you are interested in participating in Principal for a Day click here to fill out an application. For more information contact Jess Wickersham at 843.805.3080 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text15704 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to fill out an application. The deadline is November 19.

Workplace InStitute for Educators (WISE) Attends Business Education Summit and Trident Technical College Facility Tour

The October WISE session provided a unique opportunity for the class to participate in The Education Foundation’s 15th Annual Business Education Summit where they networked with business professionals and discussed ways to engage students by incorporating workplace relevancy to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) classroom curriculum. Following the Summit, the class was greeted by Trident Technical College's, Kathleen Roukous, Student Services Recruiter and Barry Franco, Dean of Aeronautical Studies, interactive and informational observations of various departments as well as the Aeronautical training program designed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner manufacturing plant. The educators also received an insiders’ view of the Culinary Institute of Charleston, The Learning Center and the Industrial and Engineering Technology facilities.

The class wrapped up the day by sharing their Implementation Plans individual designed to incorporate information learned in WISE sessions into their career development work. Team meetings brainstormed ideas for their Career Cluster Connection assignments. Each team chooses a Career Cluster and each team member is responsible for interviewing a different business within the cluster. The teams are encouraged to think outside of the box when they perform their presentations for their fellow WISE class members.

Thanks to Trident Technical College for hosting the WISE class and many thanks to the department representatives including Michael Carmel, Chef, Department Head, Culinary Institute of Charleston, Gary Crafts, Program Coordinator, Design & Construction, Pete Dambaugh, Program Coordinator, Automotive Technology, Barry Franco, Dean, Aeronautical Studies, Chris Lang, Dean, Industrial & Engineering Technology, Kathleen Roukous, Recruiter, Student Services and Sam Speraw, Program Coordinator , Manufacturing and Cameron Sperry, Writing Center Coordinator, Learning Center.

The November WISE session will be hosted by The Post and Courier and  will focus on job requirements in the Arts, AV Technology & Communications career cluster.


National Career Development Association’s (NCDA) Career Development Month

South Carolina is celebrating the National Career Development Association’s (NCDA) Career Development Month in November! School guidance counselors, career specialists and teachers can find tips for career development activities and lessons by going to  www.ncda.org or click here.

NCDA’s Poetry and Poster Contest is also underway. Find out more about the contest and download the brochure and application at www.ncda.org.  The top three winning posters and poems from your school must be submitted by November 17.
Contact:
Suzi Raiford, Regional Career Specialist, The Education Foundation at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text25792 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 843.805.3032.
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 975
Charleston, SC 29402
Physical address:
4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100
North Charleston, SC 29405

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If you know about a business/education related story or event we want to hear about it. Send story ideas or upcoming events that may be printed in the next EdBiz Link. Please send submissions to Jess Wickersham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text69790 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Executive Committee - November 5, 8 a.m.
Board of Directors - November 12, 8 a.m.
ROI Committee - November 17, 12 p.m.
Master Plan Task Force - November 23, 8 a.m.