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October 2007 — Vol. 85, No. 8
CBIA wins major grant to foster
next generation of scientists
and engineers
Grant of up to $13.2 million will fund training and incentive programs
The CBIA Education Foundation, in partnership with the state of Connecticut, has been awarded a grant of up to $13.2 million from the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) Advanced Placement training and incentive program. NMSI is a new nonprofit organization designed to help America maintain its global leadership position in technological innovation.
The grant will help fund training and incentive programs for Advanced Placement (AP) and pre-AP courses and exams for the next six years. A major goal is to prepare students to excel in math, science and English, and encourage them to explore science- and technology-based careers.
CBIA’s supporting partners for the grant are the Connecticut departments of Education and Higher Education; the Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology; and the Connecticut Science Center.
At a Sept. 5 press conference announcing the grant award, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said, “This grant will allow our education system to provide today’s students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. And it will help address the need for innovative and talented employees who will continue to lead Connecticut’s economy in the future. Success in the global economy depends upon having an adaptable workforce grounded in math and the sciences.”
CBIA President and CEO John Rathgeber said, “Technology and innovation help Connecticut’s companies remain competitive in today’s global marketplace, and that’s why programs like this one are so essential. This grant will develop programs to help close the achievement gap between our urban and suburban districts and prepare today’s students to participate in tomorrow’s workforce — a workforce that will be a major source of high-tech innovation, wealth creation and exciting opportunities.”
One of just seven states
Following a highly competitive process involving 28 applicants, Connecticut was one of only seven states selected to receive NMSI’s first grants.
Launched in March 2007, NMSI was developed in response to a call for action by the National Academies’ 2005 blue ribbon panel report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm.” According to the panel, improving American students’ performance in math and science is the most effective way to increase U.S. competitiveness in the global market.
The program is funded by Exxon Mobil Corp., the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
Training AP teachers
“This grant will allow us to support extensive training of AP teachers in math, science and English, so that they can improve student performance in these critical courses,” said Lauren Weisberg Kaufman, CBIA vice president for education and job training and executive director of the Education Foundation. “By better educating the state’s future workers, Connecticut will be able to retain its world-class workforce.”
Through the grant, CBIA tentatively plans to work with high school teachers in Ansonia, Coventry, Danbury, East Hartford, Hartford, New Britain, New London, Putnam, Stamford and Waterbury.
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