Discovery CEO David Zaslav Named to STEMconnector’s List of 100 CEO Leaders in STEM

Silver Spring, Md. - - Discovery Communications, the world’s #1 nonfiction media company, today announced that President and CEO David Zaslav has been named by STEMconnector®, the One-Stop for “who” is doing “what” in STEM education and careers, to its official list and cover for its 100 CEO Leaders in STEM publication. The unprecedented publication presents 100 corporate CEO profiles including their thought provoking views on the future of our national competitiveness and need for a STEM workforce. The CEO’s center their discussions around technology; innovation; skills to careers; public-private partnerships; women, girls and diversity; global competitiveness; scalability and best practice.

“It is an honor to be a part of STEMconnector’s list of 100 CEO Leaders in STEM, and to have the opportunity to highlight Discovery’s efforts to help prepare our nation’s students for the jobs of the future and inspire the next great discovery,” said Zaslav. “As a company founded on igniting curiosity across generations, and with science, technology, engineering and math in our DNA, Discovery is proud to do its part to encourage the next generation of innovators and leaders to take on the planet’s challenges and shape a bright, healthy future by embracing STEM careers.”

STEMconnector CEO Edie Fraser stated: “It is all about CEO commitment. We are collectively humbled by the caliber of the entries and salute and congratulate all of those included. We urge all readers to review and discuss what you learn understanding the collective action we must all take to ensure America’s youth and workforce are equipped with the STEM skills needed to compete in the market economy.”

Most recently, under Zaslav’s leadership, Discovery launched “Connect the Dots,” a multimedia, national STEM education initiative designed to provide pathways for kids to achieve today and lead tomorrow by inspiring interest in STEM subjects and careers within industries looking for highly skilled workers.

“Connect the Dots” programs include: Discovery Education STEM Camp, in partnership with STEMconnector and the Afterschool Alliance, which offers after school and summer STEM learning resources at no cost to educators, non-profit organizations and parents; new science-focused programming on Discovery Channel and Science Channel; a partnership between Science Channel and America’s manufacturers to promote careers in the skilled trades; and the Lumosity Education Access Program (LEAP), a no-cost program for K-12 schools that seeks to study the effects of cognitive training in the classroom.

In addition, through programs including the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Siemens “We Can Change the World Challenge” and Navy STEM for the Classroom, Discovery Education and its partners empower educators and promote STEM engagement in classrooms around the world. As a global leader in educational transformation, Discovery Education reaches over half of all K12 classrooms, one million educators, 35 million students in the U.S., as well as 50 countries around the world, partnering with Districts throughout the country to support educators with high-quality STEM multimedia content, professional development, assessment services, and common core solutions that drive student achievement.

Also, in May 2011, Discovery launched “Discover Your Skills,” a multimedia public affairs campaign, including the www.DiscoverYourSkills.com website, designed to help address the growing gap between the needs of employers and the skills of America’s workforce, including jobs in STEM-related fields.

100 CEO Leaders in STEM Sponsors include KPMG; Cisco; Raytheon; Dow Chemical; PTC; TATA Consultancy Services and University of Phoenix. The publication partners are US News; Business-Higher Education Forum; The Manufacturing Institute and Fortune Magazine.

The publication itself will be presented for the first time on June 18th in the frame of the 2013 STEM Solutions Summit, presented by US News and World Report in Austin, TX.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than two billion cumulative subscribers in 223 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 162 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of 20 television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About STEMconnector
STEMconnector is “the one-stop-shop” for STEM information. With several products and services, STEMconnector supports its members design, implement and measure their STEM strategies. Since its launch in 2011, STEMconnector has been the leader in leveraging a network of STEM stakeholders and “making things happen.” STEMconnector’s charge is to identify, inform and connect entities working in STEM Education/Careers to assess smart STEM investments and results. For information on how to become a sponsor, contact: Lorena.Fimbres@STEMconnector.org.