The Innovative STEM Conference (ISC) will take place on the urban campus of Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD and will be chaired by Dr. Carl White, Associate Dean of Research and Development and Graduate Programs for the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering. ISC is an exciting three day conference comprising three (3) components: the Maryland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (MD-JSHS), the Innovative STEM Symposium (ISS Collegiate Program), and the ISC Award of Prominence. ISC is designed to strategically expose, promote, and foster relationships with students and young professionals interested in becoming prominent scientists, technologist, engineers, and mathematicians.

Program Objectives

The mission of ISC is to:

• Bridge the technology gap for underrepresented, but gifted, students in science technology engineering and mathematics;
  
• Expose each student to advanced research opportunities and foster relationships with potential employees;
  
• Grant funding for research and opportunities with the aid of corporate, government, and private partnerships;
  
• Ignite the students placed in the pipeline with cutting-edge and informative programs; and
  
• Neutralize myths that "science isn't fun or appealing" and STEM careers are too difficult to achieve."

To BEGIN, this extraordinary conference will feature distinguished panelist, stimulating workshops and entertainment events. More than 1,000 gifted STEM high school students, undergraduates, and graduates (with a large contingency of minority STEM students) from reputable high schools, colleges, and universities will take part in the conference activities. Students at the high school (MD-JSHS), undergraduate and graduate (ISS Collegiate Program) education levels are sought to submit abstracts of their current and innovative research. Student's abstract submissions will be peer-reviewed, and those receiving acceptance will participate in the two-day presentation competition event. Each attendee will be presented with useful tools to aid them in transferring theoretical knowledge into practical know-how. The ISC will culminate with the awarding of the 1st Annual Award of Prominence giving to a member of the professional STEM community with 5 years or less experience and one who demonstrates achievement and leadership in STEM-related research, invention, community service, or education and outreach. The Award of Prominence was conceived to further motivate students in continued participation in the sciences and inspire them to maintain exceptional levels of professional conduct and scientific achievement.