United States Space Force Connects with State Leaders to Promote STEM Education

This visit was an opportunity for General Raymond to inform state leadership, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industry executives, and K-12 educators about the U.S. Space Force and its mission. Members of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee State Senate, Deloitte, Fedex, and Oak Ridge National Lab participated in the meeting.

During the visit, General Raymond described the United States Space Force’s primary goal of providing the first digital service that embraces innovation to protect the interconnected infrastructure in space that all Americans have come to rely on. To achieve that goal, young learners must engage in inspiring, STEM-focused learning experiences from the earliest grades to postsecondary.  

“Space is Hard,” explained Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, chief of space operations for U.S. Space Force. “We are a tech-heavy, digital service that has to operate in a complex, competitive, and congested environment. We need a technically minded and digitally fluent workforce steeped in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). We look forward to partnering with organizations like the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and explore opportunities to bring Space into classrooms.”  

The TSIN STEM Executive Council is focused on advancing programs and supports to prepare students for meaningful careers in a variety of fields, such as engineering, cyber-security, biomedical, manufacturing and healthcare. Educational partnerships with leading businesses and employment sectors offer students real-world interaction and a first-hand knowledge of industries and career paths. “Through Governor Bill Lee’s Future Workforce Initiative, Tennessee is committed to connecting STEM-educated students to the well-paying and in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Tennessee Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn. “With our state’s strong presence in the military and technology sectors, we look forward to more opportunities to work with the United States Space Force to help educate the workforce of the future, both by growing our number of STEM designated schools and exploring additional innovative pathways for Tennessee's next generations to become trailblazers.”

Individual organizations are resilient, innovative, and resourceful. By working together, these efforts become a dynamic network of shining lights for Tennessee’s educational community. TNECD Deputy Commissioner Allen Borden explained, “STEM education helps to support job creation and investment in our state. The collaboration between the organizations represented through TSIN’s STEM Executive Council and the United States Space Force will provide a multitude of benefits for K-12 education stakeholders. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development looks forward to these partnerships advancing the workforce development pipeline in Tennessee.”