The jobs created in our 21^st century economy increasingly require a high level of skills in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math. When I visit companies like Pats Aircraft Systems in Sussex County, I hear that while Delaware has a great workforce, it’s not easy to find engineers to fill available positions. In New Castle County, our rapidly growing financial services sector needs more technology workers to fill data analytics and cybersecurity jobs. JP Morgan Chase is sponsoring our state’s Cyber Aces championship competition to help address the hundreds of unfilled cyber positions in the state. Our young people have the talent to make Delaware a hub for growing industries that require expertise in these STEM subjects. But we will only take advantage of their potential if we have great STEM teachers in our classrooms. So I was thrilled to announce our STEM Council’s inaugural Educator Awards in a science lab at Dover High School.

These awards will be given to Delaware teachers who demonstrate innovation and excellence in STEM through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement. Through the generous financial support of Ashland, the STEM Council will select two recipients of $7,500 cash awards. That’s a difficult decision because we have so many talented STEM teachers. The STEM Council will highlight the winning individuals or teams of teachers in a statewide symposium this summer, which will allow educators to learn from this year’s winners, and from each other, and replicate successful programs and teaching strategies across our state. To find more information about the process to recognize these teachers, go to Delaware STEM dot org. By supporting our teachers’ work to help our students excel in science, technology, engineering and math, we’ll help build the future workforce for Pats Aircraft, JP Morgan, and businesses throughout our state. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.

Cash Awards, Statewide Symposium Planned for Winners

Dover – Standing in a science laboratory at Dover High School today, Governor Jack Markell and the leaders of the Delaware STEM Council, a group that he founded, announced a new annual award program designed specifically to recognize top teachers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The STEM Educator Awards are being made available to a Delaware teacher or team of teachers, at both the secondary and elementary school levels, who demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement. A total of two unrestricted $7500 cash awards will be given to those selected, and the individual or team will be highlighted in a statewide STEM symposium to be held in the summer of 2014. Educators or teams of educators can either apply or be nominated for the awards.

This year’s funding is made possible through a cash donation from Ashland, Incorporated, a specialty chemical and technology company with offices in Delaware.

The Governor previewed the initiative in his State of the State address in January, saying, “Many jobs of the future will be in these STEM fields. But we have trouble recruiting and retaining talented STEM teachers who have more lucrative options.”

In a report released last year, the Delaware STEM Council noted that in Delaware, 3.8 jobs are open in the STEM fields for every unemployed worker, while there are 1.7 unemployed workers for every available non-STEM related job.

“Under the outstanding leadership of Teri Quinn Gray and Jud Wagner, the STEM Council has made important strides in working to better prepare our students for quality jobs by partnering with businesses, encouraging young people to pursue STEM education, and creating teacher training opportunities,” said Governor Markell. “But all of these efforts are only successful because of hardworking educators who are committed to creating innovative and engaging programs in their classrooms while collaborating to help each other implement the best lesson plans.

“These awards will highlight the very best of those efforts and, most importantly, allow other teachers and schools districts throughout the state to replicate successful programs and strategies.”

 Applications and submission requirements are now available on the Delaware STEM Council web site (www.delawarestem.org).  Among other criteria, entrants will be judged on their ability to integrate lessons across the various elements of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); and implement innovative, “Out of the box” strategies that can be shared and adopted at other schools.

The submission deadline for all materials is June 15, 2014.  Those selected for recognition will receive the unrestricted cash prize and will be featured in a statewide symposium later this summer.

“We are grateful to Ashland and thrilled to be able to recognize some of the Delaware educators who contribute so much to our students and their profession,” said Teri Quinn Gray, Co-Chair of the Delaware STEM Council. “Teaching can be challenging, and all too often, the sacrifices these teachers make go unnoticed. At a time when we are asking so much more of our education professionals, we are happy to be able to give a little back.”

“Ashland is committed to helping fill the STEM jobs pipeline and ensuring that kids emerge from our schools with the knowledge and skills they will need to enter the workforce,” said Daryl Love, Community Relations Manager for Ashland. “We are happy to partner with Governor Markell and the Delaware STEM Council to acknowledge some of the truly talented teachers working in Delaware schools. These are the folks on the front lines, helping to prepare those future businessmen and businesswomen.”

For the 2013-14 school year, the Delaware STEM Educator Award Committee (a group of representatives from the Governor’s STEM Council) will review all completed applications and select two recipients: one at the elementary (K-5) level and one at the secondary level (6-12). Finalists will be recognized and presented with their awards during a special STEM program, where awardees will share innovative practices with teachers throughout the state.

Applicants must be certified teachers at the K-12 grade level in a Delaware public school, and be full-time employees of the school of school district as determined by state and district policies, and teach K-12 students at least 50 percent of the time.

For additional information or to download an application, go to www.delawarestem.org.

Memorandums of Understanding Signed Covering Education, Trade, Agriculture, and Culture

Agreement Marks Peru’s First Partnership with a U.S. State

(Washington, D.C.)  – President Ollanta Humala, Ambassador Harold Forsyth and Delaware Governor Jack Markell met on Tuesday in Washington to discuss cooperation between the Republic of Peru and the State of Delaware, covering agriculture, education, science and technology, culture and trade.

“The cooperation between Peru and the government of Delaware indicates our interest in being connected with one of the most dynamic regional economies in the USA,” said President Humala. “We are looking forward to amplifying our trade and commercial relationship to the benefit of our people.”

They were also joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Eda Rivas; Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mr. José Luis Silva Martinot; Minister of Defense, Pedro Cateriano; Chairman of the Science and Technology, Dr. Maria Orjeda.; Delaware Secretary of State, Mr. Jeffrey Bullock, President of the University of Delaware, Dr. Patrick Harker; and Executive Director of the Diamond State Port Corporation, Mr. Gene Bailey.

Ambassador Forsyth and Governor Markell signed an agreement to cement Peru’s first partnership with a U.S. state.  The document establishes a framework for dialogue that builds on complementary strengths, including Peru’s rapidly growing agricultural exports, the role of Delaware’s seaport as the leading North American port for perishables, and opportunities for academic collaboration.

“We’re excited and honored to work together with Peru to explore new ways to create jobs in both of our countries,” said Governor Markell.  “Delaware is a state of neighbors, so we know how to identify opportunities together and then move quickly to get things done.  Our experience with the Embassy shows that Peru has a similar approach – open, practical and innovative.”

“Our Embassy is very pleased in being a bridge between Delaware and our country. We appreciate the mutual understanding between both parties, and we expect to excel in terms of cooperation and trade opportunities,” said Ambassador Forsyth.

Ambassador Forsyth, on behalf of the National Port Authority of Peru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Bailey, representing the Diamond State Port Corporation, a Delaware state entity which owns and operates the Port of Wilmington, to collaborate in strengthening port competitiveness, develop joint promotion events, and exchange information.

Peru is a leading exporter of asparagus, organic coffee, organic cacao, and organic bananas worldwide.  Peru’s diversity of climates and soils makes it possible to grow crops as varied as quinoa, asparagus, mangos, grapes, artichokes, avocado, and paprika, among many others.

As the largest port for bananas in the Western Hemisphere and the leading fruit seaport in the U.S., Delaware’s seaport serves as a major distribution center for perishable cargo on the East Coast.  With overnight delivery to 200 million North American consumers, the Port of Wilmington, Delaware is well placed to share information and technical experience with Peruvian ports and agricultural exporters.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the Port of Wilmington to forge a maritime and trade relationship with the economically vibrant country of Peru and its strong network of ports,” said Gene Bailey. “We are honored on this occasion and eagerly look forward to the many opportunities for collaboration and cooperation incorporated in this Memorandum of Understanding.”

Dr. Patrick Harker, President of the University of Delaware, presented a letter to President Humala, confirming the University’s intention to host graduate students through the President’s hallmark Beca 18 program for high-achieving, low-income youth.  The University will work closely with the Embassy and the Peruvian Department of Education over the next few months to finalize the details and conclude an agreement.

“The University of Delaware is thrilled to partner with the government of Peru and its Ministry of Education to welcome dozens of Peruvian students each year into UD’s top graduate programs—particularly those in the STEM sectors, which underpin economic growth,” said UD President Patrick Harker. “The University has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Peru, advanced by the understanding that our mutual strength is reinforced when we invest in high-quality education and open students’ access to it.”

Fact Sheet:

Port of Wilmington, Delaware

• Wilmington is roughly half way between New York City and Washington, DC.  The Port of Wilmington, Delaware is the first and busiest port on the Delaware river.
• North America’s #1 fruit, juice concentrates and tropical fruit seaport.
• The produce trade through the Port of Wilmington, Delaware supports 2,660 jobs directly and indirectly.
• A major distribution center providing an overnight delivery to 200 million North American consumers of fruit and juice.
• North America’s largest on-dock cold storage complex aggregating 800,000 sf. (74,322m²).
• The Port of Wilmington, Delaware has handled more than 750,000 boxes of Peruvian grapes since 2008.

Peruvian Agriculture

• Peru is the third largest country in South America, with almost 2.2 million hectares of cultivated land, and an agricultural potential of 7.6 million hectares.
• Peru is a top exporter of asparagus, organic coffee, organic cacao, and organic bananas worldwide.
• Peru’s location in the southern hemisphere allows it to supply off-season products to the United States.
• Peru’s diversity of climates and soils makes it possible to grow crops as varied as quinoa, asparagus, mangos, grapes, artichokes, avocado and paprika, among many others.
• Exports from agriculture exceeded US$ 4.2 billion in 2012.  Peru aims to double exports every five years, aiming for US$ 6 billion in agricultural exports for 2015.

University of Delaware

• The University of Delaware (UD) is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant, Carnegie Research University (very high research activity). The University, with origins in 1743, was chartered by the State of Delaware in 1833.
• UD’s Art Conservation Department includes one of the leading Master’s-level graduate programs in art conservation worldwide. The program, jointly sponsored with Winterthur Museum,  focuses on the examination, analysis, treatment and care of paintings, textiles, ceramics, metals,  works of art on paper and other cultural artifacts around the world. The Department Chair, Dr. Debra Hess Norris, recently led a workshop in Lima on photographic heritage preservation for 100 museum and library professionals. Dr. Jennifer Mass taught a program for Peruvian conservators, and is also collaborating with Dr. Patricia Gonzales of the Sección Química of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.  UD students have worked to restore sculptures at the Santa Teresa Monastery Museum, including Jose Luis Lazarte Luna of Peru, who was recently awarded one of only ten highly competitive Art Conservation Fellowships.
• UD’s College of Engineering is home to one of the top ten engineering programs in the United States. Faculty members are devoted to building a community of problem-solvers focused on challenges associated with sustainability, energy, health care and the environment.
• UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources features programs in Animal and Food Sciences, Applied Economics and Statistics, Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, and Plant and Soil Sciences. The college is internationally renowned in the areas of avian biosciences, plant molecular biology, and soil and environmental quality.
• The University of Delaware has a signed General Agreement and Supplemental Agreement with the Pontifica Universidad Catolica del Peru, dating back to 2002, that utilized the University of Delaware’s expertise in Problem-Based Learning to improve the teaching of mathematics, physics, and chemistry through innovative pedagogical approaches.
• In recognition of his work with the Pontifica Universidad  Catolica del Peru on Problem-Based Learning, George Watson, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, received an honorary professorship from the university in 2007.
• The University of Delaware is an international institution: UD offered the first study-abroad program in the world in 1923, and celebrates its 90th anniversary of study abroad in 2013.   The UD School of Nursing organized a summer session Study Abroad trip to Peru in 2012.

MILFORD – On December 7, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) visited The Soap Fairy, a manufacturer of handcrafted soaps that takes part in the Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program. Nationally and in Delaware, exports are a growing part of the small business economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration supports this initiative through its Export Loan program and grants authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, under the State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP).

The Delaware STEP grant was nearly $250 thousand last year and another $187 thousand has been authorized for 2013 to be used to help Delaware small businesses start or increase exports. The participants from 2012 have already identified opportunities for more than $3 million in additional sales.

“Exports create jobs in Delaware–that’s what this program is about,” said Governor Markell. “The STEP initiative provides efficient tools to help hardworking small business owners find new opportunities for growth. We’re excited to continue our partnership with the SBA and many local organizations.”

“Programs like this one that make it easier for small businesses to take advantage of global customers are important to our recovering economy,” said Sen. Carper. “The role of government is to create a nurturing environment for business growth, and this is a great example of the government providing small business with the tools to grow.”

“Small businesses like The Soap Fairy have access to growing international markets will help create good jobs and drive our economic recovery,” Senator Coons said. “Small Business Administration programs like the Delaware STEP grant are imperative to give the boost our small businesses need to expand into overseas markets.”

The STEP program aligns with President Obama’s National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports in five years – and in so doing, create two million jobs. The program provides federal government funding for 65 to75 percent of program costs, with states supplying the remainder.

The funding will support participation in foreign trade missions, sales trips, services provided by the Department of Commerce, website translations fees, design of international marketing media, trade show exhibitions, training workshops, and other critical export initiatives.

The SBA Export Loan program assists small businesses by providing a number of loan programs specifically designed to help them develop or expand their export activities.

Small businesses seeking assistance under the STEP program will find more information at http://itc.sos.delaware.gov/services/step.shtml and more information on the SBA Export loan program can be found at http://www.sba.gov/content/export-loan-programs.

Hear directly from more of the 2012 STEP participants in this video, produced by Mobius New Media: http://youtu.be/aYFrENBhS68.

Announces New Co-Chair to Delaware STEM Council

 (Wilmington, DE)  Governor Jack Markell announces that Dr. Teri Quinn Gray, President of the State Board of Education, will take over as the new Co-Chair of the Delaware STEM  (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Council, replacing former U.S. Senator Ted Kaufman.  Judson Wagner from Brandywine School District remains as the other Co-Chair.

 Created by Executive Order in January of 2012, the Delaware STEM Council was formed to increase opportunities for Delaware’s students and businesses in the growing STEM industries.  Senator Kaufman, a former DuPont engineer, was appointed the Co-Chair of the Council along with Judson Wagner from the Brandywine School District.  Under their leadership, the Council has set about an aggressive agenda to significantly improve student achievement and expand the STEM-capable workforce in Delaware.

 “I am grateful to Senator Kaufman for his hard work and leadership on the Delaware STEM Council,” said Governor Markell.  “He and the other Council members have allowed us take a clear look at where we stand, and their hard work has helped us chart a solid path for Delaware students.  I know Dr. Teri Quinn Gray will hit the ground running.  She has been active in our educational system for many years, as a parent and President of the State Board of Education.  I am grateful for her willingness to serve as we move forward and continue to excel in areas of STEM education.”

 “It has been a singular honor to work with the great individuals on the STEM council to increase the opportunities for Delaware’s students and businesses,” said Senator Kaufman.

The Delaware STEM Council meets today for the first time under the leader of Dr. Teri Quinn Gray.   It will focus on fulfilling the recommendations from the April Annual Report, including developing STEM mentorship opportunities for women and minorities and founding a Delaware STEM Business Network. 

 For more information on the Delaware STEM Council go to www.stem.delaware.gov

Dr. Teri Quinn Gray, President of the State Board of Education, new Co-Chair, Delaware STEM Council

Dr. Gray is a new product commercialization manager for the DuPont Crop Protection Division in Newark, Delaware.  She is member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Women Chemist Committee and the Chair of the ACS’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board. Dr. Gray was appointed by Governor Markell to serve as the President of the State Board of Education in June 2009.  She has been a leader within the Delaware State Parent Teacher Association (PTA) serving as Unit President at Keene Elementary School in 2005-06, Unit Treasurer at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School in 2007-08 and Membership Chair at Shue-Medill Middle School in 2008-09.  She’s a native of Jackson, Mississippi where she graduated from Provine High School and later magna cum laude from Jackson State University with a bachelors of Science degree in chemistry.  She holds a PhD in analytical chemistry from University of Maryland, College Park.