INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- A conference on the changing needs of the state's workforce is set for this week at West Virginia State University.

Leaders of industry, business, education and policy are expected to attend Friday's inaugural Regional Workforce Development Conference.

A series of panel discussions will focus on the role of education in preparing the workforce of the future, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math. Panelists will include representatives from the Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Chemical Alliance Zone, West Virginia Coal Association, Appalachian Power, Charleston Area Alliance, Kanawha County Schools and several others.