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CISE Educator in Residence, Mickelson Academy Instructor, and Virginia Beach City Public School professional, Sharon Bowers, was invited to sit on a panel of educators this past Wednesday, March 21, on Capitol Hill as part of the Bernard Harris Foundation and ExxonMobil's "Listening to America" tour. The event was part of a series of events that are meant to shed light on the disparities in the American education system, advance awareness of opportunities in STEM education, and work toward advancing those opportunities through awareness, advocacy and policy. 

In order from left to right:

Linda Lorelle (President & Executive Producer, Lorelle Media, LLC),  Dr. Bernard Harris (President and Founder of The Harris Foundation), Dr. Steven Robinson (White House Domestic Policy Council), Dr. Linda Rosen (Chief Executive Officer, Change the Equation), Larry Harlan (Executive Director, ExxonMobil Foundation), Dr. Patricia Simmons (President, NSTA), me, Yohance Maqubela (Executive Director, Howard University Middle School of Math and Science)

From the Bernard Harris Foundation: 

"The Harris Foundation (THF) believes that a population well-versed in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is critical for success in the 21st century. Currently, however, one student drops out of high school every 26 seconds, totaling more than 1.2 million each year. How will these students compete? What can America do to make a difference? 

In 2008, Listening to America, a series of educational forums, began its tour of the country through generous support from the ExxonMobil Foundation. The forums focus communities – children and adults alike – on the importance of STEM and the need for change. Hosting key local education decision makers, elected officials, parents, teachers and civic leaders, the forums afford the opportunity for passionate dialogue about the barriers and obstacles faced by local communities. 

Three years, 23 cities and 800 participants later, THF will share its findings in Washington DC at the National Forum. THF will share the strategies, partnerships and programs that are making a difference in communities across the country. The National Forum is an opportunity to hear the collective voice of our participants – a voice that conveys passion, determination, and a desire to be heard. Its message recognizes the importance of partnerships in making change and a commitment to working toward a world of infinite possibilities for the future of America. All of us can make a difference. "