From the City of Cambridge, Nov. 17, 2017: The first meeting of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Advisory Committee was convened Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Central Square by City Manager Louis A. DePasquale and Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Salim.

“There are world-class institutions of higher education, science and tech businesses and non-profit organizations located in our city, and we want to do everything we can to ensure that all young people, particularly our underserved students, are prepared to take advantage of the incredible opportunities in their home city,” DePasquale said. “We have assembled an impressive group of leaders for this new Steam Advisory Committee, and I cannot thank the participants enough for making the time to work on this important endeavor.”

Mae up of business, higher education and city and school department leaders, the advisory committee will serve as a group of strategic advisers who will generate momentum, support and resources for the citywide Steam initiative.

“Engaging, high-quality Steam education unlocks so many doors for students,” Salim said. “I am excited to convene a talented group of leaders who are positioned to build pathways whereby students from diverse backgrounds will be prepared and inspired to enter Steam professions. Ultimately, our goal is for Cambridge to take our place as pioneers in pairing equity with innovation in Steam education.”

Committee members will act as champions, bringing their energy and expertise to help lift up Steam education in the city and identify and facilitate partnerships with businesses, higher education and city and community organizations that are aligned with school, community and student needs. The committee will help Cambridge Public Schools and the city ensure that strategies and actions undertaken through the Steam initiative increase access to and success in Steam experiences for all learners.

Committee members are:

DePasquale and Ellen Semonoff, the city’s assistant city manager for human services; Sue Walsh, the city’s director of the Office of Workforce Development; Jason Weeks, executive director of Cambridge Arts; and Maria McCauley, the city’s director of libraries.

Salim and Carolyn Turk, deputy superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools; and Anda Adams, Cambridge Public Schools’ assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Peter Abair, MassBioED; Chris Barr, Biogen Foundation; Sarah MacDonald, Life Science Cares; Tim Rowe, Cambridge Innovation Center; Liz Schwab, Google; and Linda Thackery, Microsoft.

Karen Brennan, Harvard Graduate School of Education (Harvard University); Kyle Browne, MIT; Stephanie Couch, Lemelson-MIT; Sue Cusack, Lesley University; Frank Doyle, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Harvard University); and Kim Vandiver, MIT’s Edgerton Center.

And P.A. D’Arbeloff, Cambridge Science Festival; former city councillor and mayor Henrietta Davis; Tom Evans, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority; Geeta Pradhan, Cambridge Community Foundation; and Sunny Schwartz, Metro North Regional Employment Board.