From innovative math curriculum to advanced robotics, ACC demonstrated its broad range of capabilities in preparing students for new and emerging science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers at ACC Highland June 19.

“We Bought a Mall: Reshaping Education and Revitalizing a Community” drew more than 100 local and national experts in STEM careers. Attendees viewed demonstrations and heard remarks from national leaders about the need for schools, businesses, and communities to work together to advance STEM education and workforce development.

Acting Labor Secretary Seth D. Harris discussed STEM job creation.

Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Seth D. Harris said that the opportunities offered at ACC addressed the need to create well-paying jobs and to prepare workers to succeed in those jobs. He pointed to a recent study indicating that half of STEM jobs do not require a bachelor’s degree.

“We need to start looking at STEM through a wider lens,” he said. “We should focus as much or more attention on these middle-skill jobs.”

The ACC STEM showcase was in conjunction with the U.S. News STEM Solutions national conference, which brought about 1,500 corporate leaders, educators, and policymakers to Austin.

U.S. News Editor Brian Kelly said that ACC was part of a revolution in education where community colleges are increasingly vital. He also noted the critical role of math in the STEM equation. ACC Highland will house the college’s Math Emporium, a state-of-the-art open lab featuring 600 computer stations that will engage students through technology and person-to-person learning.

“At the end of the day, you probably can just call it “M” for math,” Kelly said. “That tells me that you are doing the right thing.”

Speakers not only praised ACC for its efforts to prepare students for careers in high-growth fields, but also for its role in revitalizing the community through the Highland project.

Sajan Pillai, chief executive officer of UST Global, predicted that other communities would replicate ACC’s strategy of converting declining shopping malls to mixed-use spaces that support education and job growth.

College and national leaders attended ACC's STEM showcase.

In addition to the Math Emporium, ACC Highland will include science labs, instructional space, a library, student commons area, and faculty offices – all set to open in fall 2014. Proposals for the second phase of development include a regional Workforce Research and Development Center, a health sciences and STEM simulator lab, professional incubator space, a digital/creative media Center, a conference center, and more.

ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes said ACC Highland will promote STEM completions and revitalize the community while earning its own STEM acronym: Sustainable, Transit-friendly, Economically viable, Mixed use.

“We’re talking about community revitalization through education, through partnerships, through jobs, and through quality of life improvements,” he said. “It all happens through collaboration.”

View the ACC Highland webpage to stay informed on the latest developments.