The Minnesota Department of Education announces a series of statewide summits for students to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities and careers in their communities.

“These interactive summits will show our students the science, technology, engineering and math business, educational and career opportunities that are right in their backyards,” said Education Commissioner Alice Seagren. “We need to prepare them for the science and high tech jobs that will be available today and in the future. It is essential to build local partnerships to improve education in those fields.”

The Regional STEM Summits, presented by the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota High Tech Association, will feature local businesses and institutions of higher education and include hands-on and interactive displays highlighting their exciting STEM opportunities.

The Regional STEM Summits are part of a broader effort by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Department of Education and its partners to highlight job and higher education opportunities available in the STEM fields. Minnesota students are also being encouraged to take more rigorous STEM courses.

Economic forecasts project a 20 percent to 33 percent increase in scientific and technical occupations in Minnesota in 10 years. Additionally, new job growth in Minnesota’s professional and high tech industries will demand an extra 10,500 college graduates per year.

Last year, nearly 1,000 high school students attended the governor’s STEM summit at the Science Museum of Minnesota to learn more about exciting STEM career opportunities available in Minnesota.

“Minnesota high tech companies know that our state’s success in the global economy relies on a superior technological workforce,” said Kate Rubin, president of the Minnesota High Tech Association. “The innovators of tomorrow are being shaped in the classroom of today. That’s why this initiative is vital to the state’s high tech industries.”

Space is limited. Individuals interested in participating should e-mail Taylor Pettis at tpettis@mhta.org.

Regional STEM Summits Schedule:

MOORHEAD

Location:  Minnesota State University Moorhead, Student Union

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 9

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

ANOKA

Location: Blaine High School

Date: Saturday, Jan. 12

Time: 8 a.m. to noon

BEMIDJI

Location: Bemidji State University, Beaux Arts in Hobson Union

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 22

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

DULUTH

Location:  Lake Superior College

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 5

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

MARSHALL

Location:  Southwest Minnesota State University

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 6

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

BRAINERD

Location: Central Lakes Community College

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

ROCHESTER

Location: Rochester Community & Technical College

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

MANKATO

Location: South Central College, Heritage Hall

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Time: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.