Stan Elliott Showcases Missouri Innovation Program at National STEM Work-based Learning Webinar

Stan Elliott, Missouri Innovation Campus Program director, was a featured presenter at a recent STEMconnector webinar focusing on how employers can recruit and retain qualified STEM workers. The webinar, “How Industry Can Advance Equity and Attract Top STEM Talent Through Work-Based Learning,” was offered on April 13. 

 

During the national presentation, Elliott discussed how the Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) Program connects its students to industry-leading employers through rigorous and relevant coursework and a unique three-year paid internship program. Since 2012, the program has provided students with the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field just two years after high-school graduation – with little or no student debt. Designed to help meet the talent needs of the Kansas City region's workforce in the areas of IT and engineering, the MIC Program is a partnership of the University of Central Missouri, Metropolitan Community College, the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and leading businesses. 

 

The STEMconnector webinar, which featured several work-based learning experts, also focused on meaningful learning opportunities through work-based opportunities, support of classroom learning, the role of mentoring and how to measure effectiveness of this programming.

 

Elliott is the founding director for the Missouri Innovation Campus Program and has worked for the University of Central Missouri since 2012. As MIC director, he is responsible for curriculum and program development, business partner development, student recruitment and the intern program. Prior to joining UCM, Elliott worked for 33 years for the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, serving as an assistant superintendent for secondary instruction, high-school principal and teacher. A sought-after presenter, he has been featured at conferences throughout the United States. 

 

STEMconnector, which partners with more than 150 organizations, represents a network of industry leaders committed to increasing the number of STEM-ready workers in the global talent pool.