Presentation of Flagstaff 40 STEM-City Initiative

Receive presentation and provide any direction to staff for follow-up action.

David Engelthaler, Director of Programs and Operations, TGen North Vice-Chair, will present to the City Council a Flagstaff 40 initiative known as the STEM-City Project. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It is most often referred to when discussing school curriculum.  Academic achievement around the country has often been lacking in these areas and many contend the United States has lost its competitive edge in these disciplines to other countries.  Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on encouraging academic achievement in these areas and the pursuit of STEM careers.  Given Flagstaff’s long tradition and support of the sciences (as evidenced by industries like astronomy, the university, the BBB allocation to science, and the annual Festival of Science among many more), Flag 40 would like to facilitate this increased awareness and greater achievement in STEM fields through a STEM-City or STEM-Community Initiative.  This is in a similar vein to being a “Dark Sky City” is that we are a “STEM City.”  While Flag 40 is leading this initiative, it is intended as a community –wide endeavor with support from education, business, health care, government, and arts sectors.

Mr. Engelthaler will explain the initiative with a Power Point and a question and answer session.  The initiative is looking to emphasize this effort during the upcoming annual Festival of Science; thus, the timing of the presentation.  Mr. Englethaler will describe ways in which Council and the City may support this initiative.