The 21st century economy is poised to depend on the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as never before and Texas A&M University Kingsville’s Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering is ready to prepare the students of South Texas to meet those challenges head on.

The Dotterweich College of Engineering currently is leading the formation of the South Texas-Coastal Bend Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Coalition to help promote an interest in STEM fields among students of all ages.

Comprised of representatives from Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, area school districts and community colleges— including Del Mar College and Coastal Bend College— the goal of the South Texas-Coastal Bend STEM Coalition is to enhance and promote participation in the STEM disciplines by students at all levels through collaboration in funded projects, unfunded activities and the sharing of ideas and innovations.

“We must do more to promote the STEM disciplines among K-12 and college students—these are the life blood of the 21st century economy,” said Dr. Stephan Nix, dean of the Dotterweich College of Engineering. “Our goal is to educate the talented professionals that South Texas and the nation need to address the many challenges we face, and to build a vibrant economy based around new technologies and products that create real wealth.”

Nix said one of the Coalition’s signature projects will be the Javelina Innovation Center — an idea still in the planning stages that will ultimately bring together high school, community college and university students to work together as teams on special projects for industry and municipal entities.

A STEM-related conference is also planned for September 24, 2010.

“By bringing together the many groups around the Coastal Bend region of South Texas working on this issue, we can accomplish what would be impossible working separately,” Nix said.