About 25 leaders from the worlds of business, technology, education, health care, not-for-profit, politics and Boy Scouts met at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau on Wednesday to discuss the importance of more students getting interested in science, technology, engineering and math -- otherwise known as STEM.

Gauging interest in forming a blue-ribbon panel of business leaders and educators on STEM also was part of the purpose of the gathering, put together by Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger and Craig Felzien, regional director of external affairs for AT&T Missouri.

Tom Kroenung, STEM program director for Boy Scouts of America Greater St. Louis, gave an overview of the science, technology and math programs the council has held. Scouting, he said, has been around for more than 104 years and has always incorporated STEM, although it didn't go by that acronym, by offering merit badges in environmental science and chemistry, for example.

Kroenung said a new digital technology badge and academic pins at the Cub Scout level have a science and technology base. Boy Scouts also has begun the NOVA and Supernova awards programs, both of which help get youngsters more into math and science. The Supernova award requirements are more rigorous, according to the Boy Scouts website.

At this point, Rediger said there is no time frame for forming a blue-ribbon panel. Cards asking whether people will help with Rediger's efforts -- financially or by hosting an event or giving of their time -- were distributed after the presentations.

Rediger has long been a strong proponent of teens and education, and Felzien said AT&T's interest is part selfish and part philanthropic; the company will need more tech-savvy employees in the years to come, and the AT&T Foundation, through the Aspire Grant Program, has dedicated $250 million toward STEM initiatives nationwide.

When the cards are tabulated, Rediger said, officials will be able to gauge interest in forming the panel.

" ... We're going to let this breathe a little bit," Rediger said. "When we get the cards back, we'll see just how much interest there is. Hopefully there will be some, and then as we see who is interested and at what level they're interested, we'll move forward through Craig, scouting and so forth."

Cape Girardeau School District superintendent Jim Welker and Jackson School District superintendent Ron Anderson attended the presentations, and both noted students learn better through hands-on opportunities.

Welker said the sooner students are engaged, the more likely they are to pursue STEM.

"I think it's a good opportunity to gather and to see collectively what we can do," Anderson said.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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