Powering Innovation With Education

Several months ago, when this show had only just begun, we did a segment on the next big thing. The next iPad , the next Facebook, the next Twitter.

But we got a big surprise.

America, our guests said, may not be up to the challenge. It may not be producing the young minds needed to create and staff the companies that will change our world.

Here’s what Joe Kessler, who is president of The Intelligence Group in Los Angeles, said when I asked him how we were doing producing workers for high-tech companies:

Since then, I’ve asked almost everyone who’s walked into this studio whether they’re hiring new employees and what they think of the talent pool.

Almost to a person, they shake their heads. We need more technical people, they say. We have to turn to workers from overseas, but it can be hard to get them visas.

So, today we ask what’s going on. Is our education system failing to train young Americans for the future — a reality that will impact all of us — whether we majored in computer science or English literature? 

The Talent Pool: What's the problem?

First, we hear from employers. Are they having trouble filling jobs? And why isn’t this issue a greater part of our national discussion?

Guests:

• Michael Greeley, general partner, Flybridge Capital

• Paul Clegg, vice president of human resources, talent aquisition, labor relations, Raytheon

• Ben Russell, vice president of human resources, Bullhorn

Toward a Solution

Part 1: 

Part 2:

We're joined by a panel of educators hoping to empower the next generation of mathmeticians and scientists.

Guests:  

• Christopher Doss, teacher, physics, Boston Latin School

• Aaron Osowiecki, teacher, physics, Boston Latin School

• Arthur C. Heinricher, dean of undergraduate studies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Mark Somerville, associate dean; professor of electrical engineering and physics; Olin College