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ONEONTA, N.Y. -- The SUNY College
at Oneonta,
Chenango-Delaware-Otsego Workforce Investment Board, and
DCMO BOCES are establishing a new
"STEM Leadership Council" that will promote Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the region. The group's goals are to
stimulate young people's interest in STEM careers, re-train adults for STEM
employment, promote teacher development in STEM areas, and establish
educational pathways between high schools, colleges, and workplaces.
The council's first meeting, held on March 12 at SUNY Oneonta, included
representatives of Bassett Healthcare, Wilber National Bank, Unalam--a
division of the Unadilla Silo Company, Amphenol, The Raymond Corporation,
REDI Corp., and Covidien Pharmaceutical.
The three-way partnership of local businesses, school districts, and
higher education institutions aims to prepare area residents for employment
in STEM-related industries.
"We want to get kids interested in science and math as early as fifth
grade--and to show them how important these skills are for getting a job,"
said Marki Clair-O'Rourke, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional
Services at DCMO BOCES.
At the meeting, Kevin Price, Executive Director of CDO Workforce,
introduced Christian Harris of the NY State Department of Labor, who gave an
overview of projected employment in science and technology-related jobs in
the next five years. Harris reported that potential employment is strong,
provided that local residents have the skills to meet employers' needs.
"Our local colleges would love to work with employers and schools to make
sure that young people are getting the best STEM preparation--whether that
involves summer science camps for high school students or professional
development for elementary teachers who want to sharpen their math skills,"
said SUNY Oneonta President Nancy Kleniewski. SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick
College, and SUNY Delhi are participating in the council.
The council's next step will be to inventory existing programs for
children and adults that are aimed at improving science, technology,
engineering, and math skills, Price explained. "Once we know what already
exists, we can better coordinate these resources and then fill in the gaps,"
he said.
Participating school districts and educational organizations include
Cooperstown, Sidney, Milford, Unatego, DCMO BOCES, ONC BOCES, and the
Catskill Regional Teacher Center. More information about the STEM Leadership
Council is available from Kevin Price of CDO Workforce at (607) 432-4800,
extension 118.
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