A senior executive dinner discussion about the state of education – particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in primary and secondary schools. We’ll discuss the crisis faced by Chicago and the United States and the direct impact on our workforce and innovation. The roundtable discussion is designed to engage every person in the room, and we will explore the proper role of the private sector in public education.

We will screen the documentary “2 Million Minutes”, and hear a special presentation from the film’s producer Bob Compton. Bob is a technology entrepreneur that made the film to compare the high school experiences of two teenagers in the U.S., India and China. The documentary is provocative and controversial, and no doubt will stimulate an interesting discussion over dinner. You can view a trailer for “2 Million Minutes” here:

We will also learn about local efforts like the new Chicago Academy of Advanced Technology (CAAT), a public high school opening in September with heavy involvement from the private sector. And we’ll hear from local leaders like Rick Stephens, senior executive at Boeing and a nationally engaged volunteer on education, Glen Tullman CEO of Allscripts and an education reform advocate, Terry Howerton, ITA Chairman and co-chair of the new CAAT high school, and more than 50 senior technology executives interested in education reform.

This dinner hosted by Terry Howerton, ITA’s Chairman and is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending, email shabansky@illinoistech.org