This week, Vince traveled to Dayton, Ohio, for the 2014 PLTW Ohio Fall Conference. Hosted at Sinclair Community College, PLTW’s Ohio affiliate partner, the conference was particularly special this year, as Sinclair celebrated its 10th year as an affiliate partner. The conference ran Nov. 20-21, and Vince delivered the keynote address during lunch on Thursday, Nov. 20, immediately following student presentations, school certification awards, and the college’s celebration of its 10-year anniversary as Ohio’s affiliate university.
Speaking to more than 400 attendees, Vince highlighted the importance of a strong STEM background for Ohio students.
"PLTW is for all kids," Bertram said. "We must eliminate excuses and barriers and encourage all students to get involved in STEM."
"We cannot have faith in our future unless we believe in those who are going to create it," he continued. "They are in our classrooms right now."
While in Dayton, Vince also visited Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School and met with the school’s administration, PLTW teachers, and students. Chaminade Julienne offers both PLTW Biomedical Science and PLTW Engineering, and recently completed a $4 million STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) Center.
Vince met with four seniors in the PLTW Biomedical Science program who explained that they love the program because it makes them think and challenges them. Seniors Margot Duffy and Monica Rains told Vince about a product they're developing to help parents diagnose ear infections in small children, and got his take on the patent process. Classmates Jarred Stamper and Julianne Evans explained how the Biomedical Science program has shaped their ideas of what they want to study in college.
Stay up to date with Vince's travels by following him on Twitter at @VinceBertram.
