WASHINGTON AND KITCHEN HOST TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM

          PHILADELPHIA, June 7 – State Senators LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Shirley M. Kitchen (D-Phila.) today hosted a Technology Symposium entitled “Preparing Tomorrow’s Innovative Leaders” at the Temple University Student Activity Center.

          The fist annual symposium was designed to advance initiatives that capture, expose, and develop middle and high school students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to assure that Philadelphia has the workforce it needs to compete in the digital age.

          “These young men and women are the future of Philadelphia,” Washington said.  “This program is just one way to give young Philadelphians the opportunity to explore technology and learn about careers in the industry.”

          The symposium showcased student accomplishments, provided encouragement and stimulated learning, all of which Kitchen said are key elements necessary to become a member of the technology workforce and to build Philadelphia’s technology workforce.

          “We must start now to stimulate the minds of our young men and women so that when the time is right they are able to make a difference in this growing industry,” Kitchen said.  “This symposium is the first step to foster and develop a workforce committed to the technological growth of Philadelphia.

          Students and businesses participating in the symposium exhibited and demonstrated projects and participated in engineering, science and multi-media workshops.

          Both Senators Washington and Kitchen have long been advocates of fostering long-term, effective partnerships with the business community to ensure that Philadelphia has a workforce prepared for the future.