LinkedIn like tool aims to address tech talent gap by connecting teachers, industry pros
July 21, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
Kansas City Tech Council and Blue Ocean Consulting have teamed together to create a software solution to address the talent gap in the tech industry.
iSpeakSTEM.com is a proprietary software system that aims to build a bridge between the business and education communities. Launching in Kansas City classrooms this fall, the software connects teachers with industry professionals, their network and resources.
After beta testing the software, Liberty Public Schools administrator Colleen Jones said that iSpeakSTEM offers teachers simplicity and convenience.
“It reminds me of a LinkedIn tool for education,” Jones said in a release. “You’re able to see potential speaker’s profiles, find out where they work, and review a brief write up of their experience. I don’t have to beat down doors of companies and beg to get someone to come in and meet with our kids. They come to us.”
The tech industry is responsible for nearly 100,000 jobs in the Kansas CIty economy and the industry is growing. Currently, the demand for tech jobs far outweighs the supply of talent. In May, the KC Tech Council released a report stating that in 2016 there were 4,699 open tech jobs in Kansas City that have yet to be filled.
KC Tech Council president Ryan Weber said that iSpeakStem will fill the gaps, allowing Kansas City to continue its growth as a tech hub.
“It’s a fact that across the nation, we’re facing a shortage of tech skills,” Weber said in a release. “So it becomes our responsibility to increase the number of students we reach every year in order to bridge the gap.”
The technology will integrate STEM education into elementary, middle and high school curriculum. Blue Ocean Consulting President Scott Carson said that iSpeakSTEM platform offers educators the resources they seek.
He believes that getting more educators into the classroom will help students.
“There are so many professionals out there who are untapped but willing to get in a classroom and share their knowledge and information,” Carson said in a release. “It makes the process and the connection much more efficient for both teachers and business leaders. By opening this door and connecting these two worlds, we’re certain it will lead to increased opportunities and possibilities for these students.”
iSpeakSTEM will launch in Kansas City area classrooms this fall. For more information, visit the website here.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Side hustle to help autistic adults belong in the workplace earns young founder Student Entrepreneur of the Year honor
Grace Kertz is redefining what workplace inclusivity can look like with Sensory Sync, an AI-powered platform designed to support neurodivergent employees. Her work on the innovative venture on Thursday earned her the title of UMKC Student Entrepreneur of the Year. “Sensory sync is an enterprise grade DEI and wellness platform sold to companies. It utilizes…
UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year: How Populous designed a legacy, built to go global
Kansas City-built design firm Populous brought to reality more than just great venues, Tom Bloch shared; it developed great experiences for a worldwide audience. “From its start here in Kansas City as HOK Sport in 1983 until now, Populous has set an unmatched standard for stadiums, convention centers, and event spaces,” Bloch told the crowd…
Black Ambition fund’s $50K gives KC healthech startup the ‘jet fuel we need to propel into 2025’
An initiative led by musician-turned-philanthropist Pharrell Williams to help close the opportunity and wealth gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs has selected Kansas City-based AskSAMIE for its latest cohort of funding, training and mentorship. Through the just-announced Black Ambition cohort, 30 founders are receiving awards between $25,000 and $1 million, totalling $2.7 million. AskSAMIE earned…
It’s sweet victory for Brown Suga; KC’s favorite cookie crew wins AltCap Your Biz (and a $25K treat)
After winning the $25,000 grand prize at Wednesday’s AltCap Your Biz pitch competition, Brown Suga will get some cookie-shaped new wheels, shared founder Ebony Paul. Before opening a brick-and-mortar in Olathe, the cookie bakery launched in 2020 selling at pop-ups and community events. Adding a food truck will help Brown Suga continue to hit the…