Ms. Jenniffer Conklin-Frank
Director, STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice (SLECoP)
Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES)
Session
From Competency to Workforce Development: The Role of STEM Learning Ecosystems
Session Abstract
As education systems increasingly adopt Competency-Based Education (CBE), there is a growing need to ensure that learners' competencies translate into workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and innovation. STEM Learning Ecosystems provide a collaborative framework that connects education, industry, government, and communities to bridge the gap between learning and the world of work. This session examines the role of STEM Learning Ecosystems in advancing workforce development through partnerships, experiential learning, innovation, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving.
Speaker Profile
Jenniffer Conklin-Frank is the Director of the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice (SLECoP) at TIES and a seasoned education leader with over 20 years of experience in STEM education. She has championed innovative learning initiatives by leveraging the global STEM Learning Ecosystem network to strengthen collaboration and impact. In her role as Head of Education Programming and Engagement at Harvard University's LabXChange, she played a key role in introducing LabXChange in Kenya, culminating in the launch of the 2023 Teacher Educators Ambassadors Programme.