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
‘Punching above our weight’: KC requests $75M in federal funds as region’s Tech Hubs effort builds even more momentum
Leaders of Kansas City’s Tech Hubs initiative won’t find out until this summer if the regional effort will receive a new round of federal funding, but there’s already plenty to cheer, shared Dennis Ridenour. “We fully expect to be here — or someplace like this — four or five months from now celebrating our region’s…
Kelce, Mahomes opening ‘experiential modern steakhouse’ in KC (just in time for a three-peat Super Bowl run?)
Two Chiefs stars are teaming up for a new restaurant concept within Loews Hotel Kansas City — calling plays on the upscale steakhouse project with plans to open by early 2025. The collaboration with Super Bowl champions Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce would mean 1587 Prime — an immersive dining experience with a name inspired…
Lawmakers want to divest TikTok from Chinese influence, not kill the popular app, says Davids
A nationwide ban on TikTok, a video sharing app popular with young people and an increasing number of brands, is edging closer with legislation to curb the China-linked platform passing Wednesday in the U.S. House. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, was among lawmakers supporting the move, voting “yes” on the bill and urging ByteDance, TikTok’s…
InvestMidwest releases startup lineup for April conference; KC companies set to pitch
Eight Kansas City startups are among 40 companies selected to pitch in April at InvestMidwest — reflecting not only a diversity of founder representation, but a wide range of agriculture, health, and digital technology innovations from across the Midwest, said Claire Kinlaw. “The caliber of talent and innovation among the chosen companies is truly remarkable, and…