NATION'S GOVERNORS TO CELEBRATE 'INNOVATION AMERICA WEEK'
BYLINE: States News Service
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
The following information was released by the National Governors Association:
Highlighting gubernatorial support of her Innovation America initiative from coast to coast, NGA Chair Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is urging her colleagues to call attention to their continuing efforts to make schools and workplaces more innovative during Innovation America week.
Scheduled for May 14-18, Innovation America week is designed to highlight efforts to strengthen the economic competitiveness of the United States by improving our capacity for innovation. During this week, governors across the nation will emphasize their commitment to ensuring a better America for the next generation.
Through this year-long initiative, governors are encouraging innovation by focusing on the importance of providing a quality math and science education, helping colleges and universities better prepare the workers of tomorrow and promoting investment in businesses and technologies of the future. This national initiative is about enacting real, tangible statewide solutions to enhance the economic capacity of statesand the nation.
"The United States' ability to compete in this new knowledge-based world economy will depend on its ability to adapt, and states are in the best position to lead the way for change," said Gov. Napolitano. "Through Innovation America, governors are working to raise standards, strengthen curriculum, improve teaching and motivate more students to pursue careers in science and technology."
Earlier this year, governors gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 2007 NGA Winter Meeting where they participated in meetings about Innovation America, which included smaller breakout sessions, focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education and regional economic growth. Governors who attended the meeting exchanged ideas about successful state initiatives and best practices.
Nearly 30 governors are scheduled to participate in the week's activities. For more information on Innovation America, visit the NGA Web site at www.nga.org.