The message we’ve been hearing in Michigan is pretty consistent: employers are having a hard time filling jobs that pay well – jobs that rely on skills in science, math, technology, arts and engineering.
Chris Holman is leading a push to make mid-Michigan’s capital region a national leader in STEAM education and fields.
Holman is CEO of the Michigan Business Network and the Chair of T3: Teach. Talent. Thrive.
T3 released a report last week regarding the “State of STEAM” in mid-Michigan right now.
The report shows that the graduation rate for Michigan high schools has risen from 75% in 2011 to 79% in 2014.
Those are pretty good numbers, but Holman reminded us to keep them in perspective.
“79% graduation means 21% are dropping out,” he said. “That’s a pretty hefty percentage for society to support.”
“We want more graduates after the high school degree. We want more people going on to baccalaureate or extensive training.… We’ve got a lot of work to do here.”
Holman told us T3 hopes to transform the capitol region into a national STEAM leader.
Listen to our conversation below for more.
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