The Technology Association of Georgia, the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, today announced that Governor Nathan Deal and Shan Cooper, VP and GM for Lockheed Martin will serve as keynote presenters for the 4^th annual STEM Education Awards on August 28^th. This conference and awards program promotes excellence in STEM Education and recognizes schools, programs, and companies who are helping to develop our future workforce. 

Governor Nathan Deal will serve as the lunchtime keynote presenter. Throughout his gubernatorial service, Governor Deal has focused on the importance of science, technology, engineering and math in education. In 2014, he launched the Woodrow Wilson Georgia Teaching Fellowship which seeks to incentivize gifted, devoted individuals with backgrounds in the STEM fields to teach in high-need Georgia secondary schools. Governor Deal has also dedicated more than 50 percent of state funds to education every year he’s been in office. As the keynote presenter, he is expected to talk about the next generation workforce and STEM skills.

Shan Cooper is Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and General Manager of the company’s Marietta, Georgia, facility. As General Manager, she is responsible for the 5,700-employee Marietta operation, which designs, produces, modifies and maintains military aircraft for the United States and countries around the world. Ms. Cooper’s evening keynote presentation will touch on the talent requirements of our future workforce and the importance of corporate involvement in education.

“As a presenting sponsor of the event, Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is delighted to host such committed leaders in STEM education and outreach” said Leigh McCook, STEM Coordinator for the Institute. “Events like the STEM Education Awards engage and inspire students and in turn, impact Georgia’s future workforce.”

Following the luncheon keynote, there will be a series of panel discussions designed to provide the audience an opportunity for learning and networking. At the evening awards event, TAG and TAG Education Collaborative will recognize 40 schools, organizations, and companies for their achievements. Presented by sponsors and community figures, eight finalists will take home awards for excellence in the categories of Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Post-Secondary Outreach, Extracurricular, Corporate Outreach, STEM Day Activity, and STEM Certified School Outreach. Sponsors of the 4^th annual event include Georgia Tech Research Institute, Cisco, Google, Equifax, McKesson, Georgia Department of Labor, Lockheed Martin, Georgia Southern, and DeVry.

For information about the awards program and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.tagonline.org/events/stem-education-awards/ or contact Amanda Hendley at [email protected] and 404-920-2023.