State Science Advisor
OVERVIEW The State Science Advisor (SSA), appointed by the Governor, is responsible for Utah’s workforce development needs in the six key economic clusters and emerging industries. Providing advice and counsel to the Governor, the legislature and other state agencies the State Science Advisor also serves on a broad range of boards and commissions pursuant to the oversight of key scientific initiatives, research efforts, federal and state mandates, and ongoing programs devoted to science and technology issues.
New State Science Advisor Appointed Carol Lynn George, Ph.D. was appointed by Governor Gary R. Herbert in May 2013. Changes to the position were made, giving the SSA more responsibility for workforce development. STEM Action Center The SSA has been working with the STEM Action Center, helping to staff the Center and ensure the successful deployment of pilot programs for school year 2014. The STEM Action Center will prioritize STEM education— which comprisesscience,technology,engineering,andmathematicsinstruction—todevelop Utah’s workforce of the future. Prioritization initiatives will increase the number and quality of STEM educators and professionals, and will drive research and implementation of STEM education best practices across Utah. The STEM Action center will leverage a $10 million investment appropriated by the state in HB 139 to create a hub of STEM Action Center partners collaboration. ACT Work Ready Communities The State of Utah has made a strategic investment to drive economic growth through regional workforce development by participation in the ACT’s Certified Workready Communities Academy. This partnership between the Department of Workforce Services, UCAP, higher education, career and technical education, public education, the chambers of commerce, and EDCUtah will provide a framework for aligning education and workforce development in order to advance economic development at the regional and community level. Science, Technology and Innovation Plan (STIP) iUtah and EPSCoR The STIP is a comprehensive, state-level strategic plan to support the growth of Utah’s science and technology community. It is a partnership between GOED, the Department of Workforce Services, the Utah System of Higher Education and
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • 2013 Annual Report • www.business.utah.gov
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