Event takes place July 27-28
KANSAS CITY, MO. – The National Science Foundation (NSF) will sponsor a veterans’ STEM education think tank through the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) next week. The invitation-only event will convene national leaders to help veterans with service-connected disabilities transition into post-secondary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
NSF chose to sponsor this conference through UMKC because of the university’s commitment to educating veterans in STEM. Hosting the event are the UMKC Institute for Human Development and School of Computing and Engineering, as well as their NSF-funded program – “Building an Alliance for New Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (KC-BANCS): A Collaborative Model for the Inclusion of Youth and Veterans with Disabilities”.
Military Times EDGE magazine ranks UMKC as one of the 101 best colleges for veterans. The magazine based its rankings on financial assistance, academic flexibility, campus culture and support services.
Examples of UMKC’s commitment to veterans include the Student Veterans Virtual Resource Center; UMKC Student Veterans Organization; School of Computing and Engineering and Institute for Human Development programs, such as KC-BANCS; SCE’s membership in the Society of American Military Engineers – Greater Kansas City Post; Doctor of Pharmacy Satellite Programs; and Yellow Ribbon Program and the processing of Missouri Returning Heroes awards.
“The Research in Disabilities Education program at National Science Foundation is pleased to sponsor this national event,” said Linda Thurston, program director for Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) at NSF’s Division of Human Resource Development. “We are committed to examining issues related to post-secondary science, technology, engineering and mathematics education of veterans with combat-related disabilities. This event, by bringing together stakeholders in STEM education for veterans, is expected to inform the national research agenda within the Foundation and to provide important input for those around the country who are committed to providing quality STEM undergraduate and graduate education for those who have served in this country’s armed forces.”
Participants can expect presentations by speakers who represent the following perspectives:
- Wounded veterans and their transition experiences
- STEM industry representatives who value veterans as employees
- Higher education leaders who recruit and support veterans in their STEM degrees
- Researchers’ insight into effective supports for wounded veterans
- Policy leaders who determine transition protocol to higher education
About the UMKC Institute for Human Development:
The UMKC Institute for Human Development (IHD) is an applied research and interdisciplinary training center. For over 33 years, IHD has exemplified UMKC’s mission by demonstrating research to practice through community partnerships for effective social change. For more information, please visit http://www.ihd.umkc.edu.
About the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering:
Located in one of the nation’s largest engineering communities, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Computing and Engineering is Kansas City’s only university with ABET-accredited engineering, computer science and information technology degree programs.
SCE’s internationally-recognized faculty prepare students for today’s competitive job market by providing a curriculum that includes the latest technology and business trends, as well as a comprehensive education in each field’s theory and fundamental practice. Our classes also build bridges to the professional world by partnering with local companies, organizations and engineers. To learn more about SCE, visit http://sce.umkc.edu.
About KC-BANCS:
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Institute for Human Development and School of Computing and Engineering operate “Building an Alliance for New Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math” (KC-BANCS): A Collaborative Model for the Inclusion of Youth and Veterans with Disabilities” under a five-year, $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant. KC-BANCS’ goal is to increase the number of students and veterans with disabilities who enter Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) post-secondary academic programs, complete two-year and four-year degrees in STEM fields and ultimately enter the workforce in STEM-related careers. For more information about KC-BANCS, visit http://www.kcstemalliance.org/.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City:
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.