DETROIT— Today's world of highly skilled workers trained in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEMs) is faltering, particularly among underrepresented populations. It is these areas that generate breakthrough innovations that will lead to productivity gains, economic growth and higher standards of living. With the U.S. falling behind in producing this technical talent, we will be unable to sustain our economic leadership in the world experts have said.

Wayne State University aims to change this crisis and is reaching out to young, underrepresented men and women Nov. 18 through "Unlimited Horizons: Exploring Science and Engineering Careers for Women and Minority Students," an ESCALATE (Engineering & Science Careers in Academia: Learning from ADVANCE and Translating Effectively) program funded by the National Science Foundation. WSU officials will give high school, community college and other students an opportunity to explore science and engineering careers and offer them guidance on these career paths. Students also will learn about career opportunities in higher education, particularly in STEMs fields, which lack women and minority populations.

"The event aims to raise awareness among students about educational and career opportunities in science and engineering fields, but also will provide women and minority faculty members with ideas on how to encourage these underrepresented student populations to make real and lasting contributions in their chosen fields," said Karen Tonso, associate professor of education at Wayne State. "Information gathered at this event will give our faculty a better understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of these students that will ultimately help create effective strategies in retaining these students and preparing them for advanced careers in the sciences, engineering and even higher education."

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held on Wayne State's campus at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center, 495 Ferry Mall. Registration is required at http://www.escalate.wayne.edu. For questions or more information, contact Kayla Rice at (313) 874-7010 or krice@wayne.edu.

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Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit http://www.research.wayne.edu.