Today, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, held a bipartisan Innovation Forum and Showcase to highlight the accomplishments of 23 innovators from across the country.
Today, the Committee on Education and the Workforce held a bipartisan Innovation Forum and Showcase to highlight the accomplishments of 23 innovators from across the country.
These innovators, who were invited to Washington by members of the committee, came to share what they are doing at the local level to address the nation’s most pressing education and workforce development challenges.
“Innovation is what happens when someone has an idea that works. Innovation is the most local of local solutions. We want to hear ideas that come from cities, communities, and neighborhoods; not from Washington,” said Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) in her opening remarks. “This gives us the great opportunity to learn from those who are making breakthroughs in their own schools and workplaces. Steve Jobs once said, ‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.’ We’re about to hear from some of the most important leaders in the country.”
Five panels of innovators took to the Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing room to speak to members of the committee about their work, while in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building, members of the public had the opportunity to tour the innovation showcase and learn more.
"I am thankful for the panel of innovators who traveled to Washington, DC today to testify before our Committee and present such an insightful showcase. In particular, I would like to thank Chris Carter, Deputy Director of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) for VSGC’s work throughout Virginia to help ensure students have access to quality STEM programs from an early age. Programs like VSGC illustrate the kinds of collaborations between K-12, higher education, and local industry that are critical to improving our workforce and bridging the skills gap. Our education system - and the opportunities we provide for all students - has been and will continue to be what allows our country to compete in the global economy,” said Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA).
These innovators have put their full weight behind crafting solutions to our most pressing education and workforce development challenges. These men and women are leading the way forward, and their work is central to revitalizing our communities and the American workforce.
To read the testimony of the innovators firsthand, click here.
