Governor Hogan Attends International STEM Festival, UMBC Life Sciences Grand Opening

Statement

Governor Larry Hogan took part in two education events today, speaking at the third annual Maryland International School STEM Festival, and attending the grand opening for the new University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building.

Maryland International School STEM Festival. The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long series of events around the state to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Prior to walking around the event and looking at exhibits, Governor Hogan took part in recognizing the Maryland International School as the first school in the state to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School.

"As Maryland strives to compete nationally and across the globe, STEM education is helping us to create critical thinkers, and to empower the next generation of leaders," Governor Hogan said. "It is thanks to innovative schools like the Maryland International School that we are truly giving opportunities and a hope for a better future for the next generation, and giving students here in Maryland the chance to gain in-demand skills that employers need in the 21st-century workforce."

UMBC Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building Grand Opening. UMBC's new Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, which includes 70,000 square feet of research and teaching space, represents an investment of more than $120 million from the State of Maryland. The state's investment in the new building has already attracted major national grants, including a $2.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation to help start a new master's program in environmental sciences.

"Maryland is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative states in America," Governor Hogan said. "We have a vibrant life sciences industry, which includes 2,700 companies that employ 45,000 people and generate $18.6 billion in annual economic activity. With the addition of this incredible world-class facility, the State of Maryland will continue to lead the way, and UMBC will continue to push boundaries, achieve significant breakthroughs, and will continue to shine as a national and global leader in innovation."

Source