INL supports statewide talent pipeline initiatives
Note to editors: Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s State of the State address included several initiatives in which INL is participating.
Establishment of a cybersecurity program at Boise State University in partnership with INL:
“INL is proud to collaborate with Boise State University and the other Idaho universities as we lead efforts to address emerging national challenges and advanced threats to the nation’s power grid, water supply and other critical infrastructure,” said Brent Stacey, INL associate lab director for National and Homeland Security. “Through the BSU center, Idaho students will have the opportunity to engage at the leading edge of cybersecurity innovation.”
“We’re excited about, and appreciative of, the opportunity to work with Boise State University, and Idaho’s other universities, in advancing the state’s cybercapabilities and building a talent pipeline in this crucial area,” said Amy Lientz, INL’s director of Partnerships, Engagement and Technology Deployment.
Support to make Eastern Idaho Technical College a full-featured community college:
“Eastern Idaho will greatly benefit from more training and technology education to support our growing need in skilled labor and certified talent,” said Stephanie Cook, INL’s Economic & Workforce Development program manager. “The governor’s support and willingness to invest $5 million into an eastern Idaho community college connects the needs of industry to education to develop more talent – from welders to radiological technicians and lab technicians.”
Support for the STEM Action Center and new STEM programs, including a K-through-Career program in computer science:
“The governor could not have more clearly demonstrated his commitment to STEM education in Idaho,” said Anne Seifert, a former teacher who heads up INL’s K-12 STEM outreach efforts. “An investment of this magnitude will be paid back many times over to our students, teachers, businesses and communities for decades to come.”
Implementation of more college and career counseling in high schools, a cap on tuition and funding for scholarships:
“Making sure Idaho’s students are prepared for the jobs of the future is a huge challenge,” said Amy Lientz, INL’s director of Partnerships, Engagement and Technology Deployment. “Gov. Otter, by investing $5 million in career counseling and another $20 million to help students with tuition costs, is laying a foundation to make sure Idaho’s next generation of workers is ready to hit the ground running.”
