Let’s hear from Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program managed by IALR. GO TEC is an innovative career initiative providing middle school students across Virginia with engaging, hands-on experiences in technology, manufacturing and engineering careers.
Jake shares how GO TEC rapidly expanded from a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County to over 50 middle schools statewide, with further growth anticipated. He explains the strategic approach to maintaining consistency while addressing regional industry differences and details the logistical complexities involved in equipping classrooms, training educators and ensuring continuous program improvement.
Highlights include:
- What is GO TEC? (00:36)
- Rapid statewide growth (01:42)
- Hands-on career exploration (04:00)
- Partnering across Virginia (05:43)
- Supporting teachers and classrooms (14:38)
- Bridging the high school gap (23:54)
- STEM Innovator of the Year Award (27:00)
