Best Practice Deep Dive Susan H. Palisano Director of Education & Workforce Development

 Manufacturing is facing a serious skills gap, due in part to the underrepresentation of women in the industry  Women equal ~50% of the general labor force but only 24% are in manufacturing jobs  In CT, women represent <20% of graduates in STEM-related degree programs  Lack of female role models  Lack of experiential opportunities Challenge

 Expose girls to dynamic, successful businesswomen and educators who are passionate about their careers and the contributions they make to our world  Hold a high-impact event (or a series of smaller events) that taps into today’s female manufacturing leaders to help inspire the next generation of leadership and talent  Spark interest in the world of manufacturing and the potential careers it offers Opportunity

1.Raise awareness of manufacturing-related careers and their skill requirements, workplaces, and educational and career pathways 2.Improve attitudes toward manufacturing and manufacturing careers 3.Change the perception of the role of women in manufacturing through positive role models 4.Increase confidence is ability in STEM-related courses 5.Increase representation of girls in the STEM educational pipeline 6.Increase the number of women pursuing STEM careers, particularly in manufacturing Objectives Design and implement a program specifically geared toward attracting girls to future careers in manufacturing

 Pre-program table displays/demos/networking  Morning welcome and presentations  Student and educator workshops  Afternoon welcome  Luncheon and keynote address  Videos and Career Connections table activity  “Women in Manufacturing” Roundtable  Industry/training site tour Event Format

 Hands-on, collaborative  Introduce industry concepts (Lean)  Emphasize varied roles, career opportunities  Make connections to STEM  Apply 21 st century skills Student Workshops

 Overview of Manufacturing  Manufacturing and the Economy  The Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline  Manufacturing Worker Needs/Skill Sets  Pursuing a Manufacturing Career  Leverage industry partners as presenters  What can schools do? Educator Workshop

 Pre-program arrival opportunity  Industry and educational exhibitors  Dream It. Do It. information  Hands-on demonstrations  High-tech displays  Focus on women Displays/Demonstrations

 Short, engaging, inspiring  Relate a personal journey or experience  Include multimedia  Focus on roles for women in manufacturing  Encourage interest  Highlight resources and pathways Keynotes & Presentations

 Panelists (4-5) from both Industry and Education  Recognized moderator  Personal stories (3-5 minute “TED Talks”) When did you first think about a career related to manufacturing, and why? How did your parents or teachers react when you decided to pursue your education/career in manufacturing? Was there someone who inspired you? Did you have a role model or a mentor? What has been important to your success in your career? Roundtable Format

 What were the most important courses you took in high school or college to prepare you to be successful in your career in manufacturing? (Industry)  What do you think are the most important things students should do to prepare for a career in manufacturing? (Academia)  What are your professional goals? What do you hope to achieve?  What do you think are the greatest challenges – either something you’ve experienced personally or that you are aware of – women entering a career in manufacturing will face?  Audience Q&A – Open the floor to students Moderated Questions

Step #1  Develop a program budget. Consider: Facilities costs Transportation costs Staffing costs Food costs Collateral materials & activity supplies Honoraria for keynote speakers* Implementation Steps

Step #2  Identify a location to host your event and/or a program partner. Consider the requirements for: Presentation space Workshop space Exhibit/demonstration space Luncheon

Facility Logistics Bus drop-off/pick-up/parking Special needs (accessibility and dietary) VIP/press management Registration needs Collateral/displays Audio-visual requirements Luncheon seating Food preparation and serving Workshop set-up (tables, chairs, etc.)

Step #3  Select the program format and activities that fit your event  Include experiential, hands-on opportunities  Provide exposure to manufacturers  Create a collaborative, interactive environment  Highlight local talent  Make it relevant and authentic!

Step #4  Develop your outreach campaign and create materials for recruitment of students, teachers, roundtable panel participants, and exhibitors. Consider the number of participants you can accommodate based on space, planned activities, and staffing.

Step #5  Confirm attendance and share event information with schools  Provide exhibitors and speakers with guidelines  Develop schedules, staffing needs  Finalize all logistics

Other Logistics Transportation needs Acceptance letters/event information Registration Exhibitor requirements Schedules/flow Staffing needs Workshop materials Collateral materials

Step #6  Day of Event. Encourage students to visit exhibits and demonstrations. Distribute Dream It. Do It. resources and collateral. Provide a welcome and overview of the day, including expectations. Keep to a tight schedule and a fast pace. Ensure smooth transitions from activity to activity. Encourage participation and collaboration through a “safe” environment. Make girls and women important.  Post-program. Provide student/educator surveys.

 Co-present your event with an existing conference or expo  Partner with industry associations, local chambers, state agencies, etc.  Solicit “direct” sponsorships for food, transportation stipends, t-shirts, etc.  Solicit event sponsorship Funding Options

January: Planning/budgeting January-February: Event sites investigated February: Event sponsorships solicited February-March: Facility and date finalized March: Keynote speaker secured April-May: Roundtable panel and presenters secured May: Industry/education exhibitors recruited May-June: “Save the Date” materials sent August-September: Student recruitment September: Second wave of sponsorships solicited August-September: Logistics finalized October: Event is held Program Timeline