ALBANY, N.Y. -- Business leaders, educators and elected officials met to discuss ways to better prepare students for college and the workforce. The New York State Board of Regents, IBM, and the New York State Business Council hosted a conference Friday called "Educating Tomorrow's Workforce."

Speakers addressed ways to build a stronger interest in technical education, as well as ways to better prepare students for 21st century jobs. The commissioner of education says students need to be exposed to fields like science and technology when they are young.

"How do we make sure our teachers and principals have the right development and support, to do hands on projects in science and math. So by the time they get to high school they are excited about it, which could lead to great jobs when they graduate," said Dr. John King, NYS Commissioner of Education.

The conference was held at the New York State Museum in Albany.