Other Speakers for the Lenovo Scholar Network

Colleen Devery – Assistant Vice President, Strategic Alignment; NAF

Michael Tissenbaum – Research Scientist, MIT App Inventor

50-minute breakout session

Presentation Title: Preparing the Next Generation to be STEM Ready

Presentation Abstract: Since fall 2012, NAF, Lenovo, and MIT App Inventor have partnered to provide exposure and encourage interest among high school students in STEM. This program, called the Lenovo Scholar Network, is designed to enable the next generation of developers and entrepreneurs from underserved communities. Open to students in all types of NAF academies, including: finance, information technology, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, and engineering, the Lenovo Scholar Network has extended STEM opportunities to more than 5,000 participating students nationwide.

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT App Inventor, a project within the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL), Lenovo Scholar Network students also have the opportunity to use MIT App Inventor to develop Android mobile apps using Lenovo devices as part of an annual app challenge.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of work-based learning opportunities including worksite tours, mock interviews, internships, and more.

Experts from NAF, Lenovo, and MIT App Inventor will join together for a panel discussion to explain how they work together and what makes the project successful from each perspective. Topics will include the benefits of students working on meaningful projects that provide real-world solutions; the importance of businesses shaping the future talent pipeline; as well as key resources that educators can access.

Attendees will take away best practices around the power of partnership for the benefit of ALL students.

Biography: As Vice President & General Manager of DCG Services, Laura Laltrello leads the worldwide Services organization that provides support for Lenovo’s datacenter customers. She continuously drives improvements and focus to deliver an effortless customer-centric experience. She has a passion for solving core business problems through analytics, optimization, and innovation.  Laura volunteers to help technology students make career choices and motivate new mothers to succeed in the workplace.