A coalition of Howard County officials representing public schools, business and government have scheduled a half-day symposium March 6 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The session is designed to brainstorm about new ways to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

About 125 people are expected to gather for the 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. invitation-only conclave, which is Howard County's first Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Business and Education Leadership Symposium. It is the county's attempt to find new ways to address the national shortage of young people entering scientific careers.

"It is in everyone's best interest that we work together to inspire, engage and prepare students to meet the work force needs of STEM industries and be competitive on a global level," John Quinn, secondary science coordinator for the county school system, said in a statement.

Others participating are to include Chris Scolese, associate administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; F. Suzanne Jenniches, a vice president at Northrup Grumman; and Donald Langenberg, chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland.

School Superintendent Sydney L. Cousin and County Executive Ken Ulman are to offer welcoming remarks.