August 25, 2023 (St. Paul, MN) Recognizing the critical need for strong Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the state of Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Thursday, August 24, 2023, as STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair. Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) Commissioner Tarek Tomes attended the event to present the proclamation on behalf of Governor Walz.

"Engaging young minds with STEM skills in a fun setting is a great start to developing the workforce of the future in Minnesota. The interactive learning approach helps develop critical thinking and helps students collaborate to solve problems through science and technology. I thank Governor Tim Walz for supporting STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair and the continued work on education and technology initiatives in Minnesota."

Tarek Tomes, MNIT Commissioner, State of Minnesota CIO

SciMathMN hosted the day and brought together 40 partner organizations to explore and celebrate all things STEM. Fairgoers of all ages had the chance to engage in a wide range of activities to explore magnetism, weather, flight, augmented reality, robotics, medical technology, mapping techniques, environmental remediation strategies, 3D printing, etc.

Community members could learn about STEM education providers who offer programs in Minnesota schools and communities and see firsthand how Minnesota corporations and governments use a wide variety of STEM initiatives and skills to innovate and provide services to their customers and residents.

"Minnesota’s innovation economy starts early with our state’s children. STEM Day at the Fair is an opportunity to discover, explore, dream, and celebrate. We’re grateful for the partners who make this day happen, including Minnesota’s nonprofit participants, business community sponsors, and the State. Declaring today STEM Day at the Fair in Minnesota is another way to bring attention to the value of STEM learning for children today and Minnesota tomorrow."

Jim Davnie, Executive Director, SciMathMN

The State of Minnesota is the largest employer in Minnesota, employing over 50,000 employees in state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges, and universities. STEM career opportunities range from nursing and medicine to engineering, to monitoring the quality of Minnesota lakes and streams, to application development and cybersecurity. MNIT had a booth during STEM Day at the Fair where MNIT staff shared information about safe passwords and encouraged kids to learn the basics of coding.

SciMathMN brings together a statewide STEM community to promote equitable and accessible STEM learning and workforce participation, empower lifelong learning, and inspire informed community action. For more information, visit scimathmn.org.

/mnit/assets/08.24.23%20STEM%20Day%20At%20The%20Minnesota%20State%20Fair_Signed_Accessible_tcm38-589818.pdfRead Governor Walz’s “STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair” proclamation online.

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About Minnesota IT Services 

Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,400 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans.