ATLANTA – Mercer University School of Engineering has been named a finalist for the 2014 STEM Education Awards presented by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state's leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia's technology industry.
TAG's third annual STEM Education Awards recognize schools, programs and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education in Georgia.
“We have been offering summer workshops to eighth- through 12th-grade teachers who learn the basics of robotics and machine intelligence so that they can integrate engineering concepts into their curricula,” said Dr. Wade H. Shaw, dean of the School of Engineering. “We are proud of this program and how it captures the creative spirit of design in young minds – many thanks to TAG for this recognition and to our corporate donor, The Boeing Company.”
Mercer is one of six nominees is in the category of postsecondary outreach, alongside Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Augusta Technical College, Georgia Southern University, the University of West Georgia and Westwood College.
“It is exciting to see the progress we are making with STEM education in Georgia. The increase in nominations each year and the quality of the nominations made it difficult for our judges,” said Michael Robertson, executive director of the TAG Education Collaborative. “Congratulations to the finalists. Your work engaging these students in STEM will benefit the students you touch for years to come with challenging and exciting careers.”
Winners in each of eight categories will be honored on Sept. 26 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The event is presented by TAG, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed) – a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to advancing STEM education in Georgia – and TAG Savannah.
“STEM occupations will increase in Georgia by more than 22,000 during the current decade,” said Tino Mantella, president and CEO of TAG. “The finalists of this year's STEM Education Awards are helping to prepare the tech-ready workforce needed to fill these jobs, and we applaud them for standing out as leaders in Georgia's educational community.”
For more information on TAG and the third annual STEM Education Awards, or to attend the event, visit http://bit.ly/STEMinfo2014.
About TAG Education Collaborative
TAG Education Collaborative is dedicated to developing science, technology, engineering and math initiatives in Georgia. Through partnerships with statewide STEM programs, TAG-Ed fosters student interest in STEM in order to increase appreciation for the opportunities available through technology careers. TAG-Ed hosts an internship program for high school students, two web-based team challenges for students interested in Health IT and web design, and the Vine Event, an annual fundraiser benefiting STEM education. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920-2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org.
About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 24,500 members and hosting over 200 events each year via six chapters across the state including Metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/Middle Georgia and Savannah. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 34 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG's mission is to educate, promote, influence and unite Georgia's technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia's technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state's economic climate for technology. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG's community website at www.TAGthink.com.
About the School of Engineering
Mercer University's School of Engineering, founded in 1985, offers innovative and academically challenging programs that provide students with a comprehensive education, featuring a solid foundation in mathematics and sciences, a core engineering curriculum, a range of courses in engineering specialties and a strong emphasis on communication technologies. The School is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top three master's-degree-level engineering schools in the Southeast. Known for its breadth of instruction in its undergraduate program and its five-year joint bachelor's and master's degree program, the School combines technical education with hands-on laboratory experience. Mercer engineers can look forward to joining fellow alumni in companies such as Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, Lockheed Martin, Georgia Power, Siemens and Gulfstream Aerospace.
