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Small Business Human Resources Workforce Development Your Questions Answered Success Stories

March 2004 — Vol. 82, No. 2

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

CBIA, businesses introducing more teachers to workplace technologies

 

With the goal of inspiring young people to pursue math-, science- and technology-based careers, CBIA last year began an Advanced Technology Education program for 23 high school and community college math, science and technology teachers. This year, 21 more teachers have been chosen to participate in the second year of the three-year program, funded by a National Science Foundation grant. CBIA administers the program in collaboration with the Connecticut Community College System’s College of Technology.

The new group of teachers will complete a two-year program that includes a summer externship at a Con-necticut company, as well as company visits, seminars, workshops and conferences emphasizing current and emerging technologies being used in engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science and manufacturing. Following the externship, the teachers will develop a work-related project to introduce to their students.

The program helps educators better understand business technology so they can create programs in their schools that align with the skills needed in today’s economy. “Educators who participate in professional development programs and business externships have an opportunity to engage their students in more active learning experiences and better prepare them for the future,” says Lauren Weisberg Kaufman, CBIA vice president and director of the association’s Education Foundation.

The participating teachers were selected for their commitment to learning about technological advances that will give students a more realistic understanding of how classroom learning can be applied on the job.
A number of activities will complement the teachers’ summer externship:

  • In February, the teachers visited Pfizer Inc., where scientists explained how they use sophisticated technologies to research and discover drugs.
  • On March 26, college teachers and students will visit a technology expo that CBIA is hosting at Manchester Community College. CBIA-member companies such as Electric Boat, Protein Sciences, Henkel Loctite and Branson Ultrasonics will show some of the many different applications of technology in today’s workplace.
  • In October, a Leadership in Technology conference will help teachers understand how they can encourage students to pursue an education that prepares them for careers in engineering, biotechnology, manufacturing and information technology.

Other possible activities include a visit to an engineering company and two-day training on three-dimensional engineering instruction software for high school students.

If your company is interested in becoming involved in externships or other program activities, send an e-mail to CBIA’s Mary deManbey or call her at 860-244-1900.