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For
Immediate Release Businesses and Educators Outline Connecticut State
Scholars Program Unless students take rigorous courses in high school, they’re more likely to end up in low-paying jobs. But students who take and complete more-challenging classes are better prepared to be successful after high school; require less remediation in college or in the workplace; and enter more highly-paid, satisfying careers. That was the message delivered today by business leaders and educators at a New Haven news conference to kick off the new Connecticut State Scholars program. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) Education Foundation, New Haven Public Schools, The United Illuminating Company, The Bilco Company, the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and the national Center for State Scholars announced plans for the new program this morning in New Haven. Kenneth O. Decko, president and CEO of CBIA, said, “Connecticut’s businesses need workers with the right skills, abilities and drive to keep them competitive in an increasingly global economy. The Connecticut State Scholars program is a perfect match for students and businesses, because it will help both achieve their goals.” Decko continued, “The jobs in the next decade will range from lower-wage service jobs to highly skilled technical and professional jobs. By 2010, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor, almost two out of three job openings in Connecticut will require education at the postsecondary level. We want to make sure that Connecticut students are prepared for those higher-wage jobs.” Decko announced that CBIA was one of 12 state business associations selected nationwide to begin pilot programs to develop strategies and identify resources to help students prepare for higher-skill and higher-wage opportunities. “We are pleased to launch pilot programs for the Connecticut State Scholars initiative in New Haven, Danbury and at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown,” he said. Connecticut State Rep. William Dyson of New Haven, a strong supporter of education and an employee in the New Haven Public Schools, praised the program. “The Connecticut State Scholars initiative is another tool to help New Haven students achieve the high-quality educational background and skill levels necessary to become fully participating and highly productive members of Connecticut’s workforce,” said Dyson. “The initiative could not be possible without the support and encouragement of the business community,” said Decko. “The Connecticut State Scholars program is unique because business leaders will go to the schools and deliver the message directly to the students that high school coursework does matter to their future academic, career and business success,” he said. Nat Woodson, chairman and CEO of UIL Holdings, the parent company of The United Illuminating Company (UI), told the group that “while Connecticut companies have a highly skilled workforce today, the impending retirement of the baby boom generation and continuing changes in the Connecticut economy will soon lead to a critical shortage of workers with the skills necessary to compete in the high-tech global economy. The Connecticut State Scholars program will help parents and teachers 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. “We know that our businesses must prosper in order for our communities and our state to continue to grow and prosper. UI remains committed to working to maintain and increase the economic vitality of the communities we serve. That is why we are excited to be part of a program that allows the next generation of Connecticut citizens to legitimately aspire to fully participate in an economy that is viable and competitive. We want to join with other Connecticut businesses to ‘be the somebody’ that challenges today’s students to succeed,” said Woodson. In New Haven, the program will initially be offered to 210 eighth-grade students at Fair Haven Middle School and 570 ninth-graders at Wilbur Cross High School and Metropolitan Business Academy. New Haven School Superintendent Reginald R. Mayo told reporters, “The Connecticut State Scholars program is simple: Students who complete more-rigorous and challenging courses are more successful in college and in the workplace than those who simply meet minimum graduation requirements. Encouraging the students to participate in this program and offering more-challenging courses will provide them with a sound academic foundation for success.” Mayo added, “While all students will benefit from the more rigorous coursework, the program is aimed at the majority of students in the middle of the class, those students who are not working up to their potential. The program is designed to motivate students who don’t see the benefit of working hard in school and taking tougher classes to participate in the program and enjoy greater success in the future.” CBIA has worked with the state Department of Education to approve course requirements for the pilot schools in New Haven. The core academic curriculum will be the standard for all students in the Connecticut State Scholars program. Students will have to complete the mandatory 15.5 credits in the outlined Connecticut State Scholars coursework with a minimum grade of C in all courses and complete the balance of state requirements to graduate. Connecticut State Scholars Core Course of Study:
CBIA is also working with the state Department of Higher Education to ensure that Connecticut State Scholars receive recognition for admissions and scholarship consideration. Roger Joyce, vice president of engineering at The Bilco Company, and a Connecticut State Scholars business partner, told the group, “We are dedicated to the program to help provide education and workforce development. If we are successful, everyone wins: The students get well-paying jobs, the employers hire the skilled workers they need, and the economy as a whole benefits.” Joyce said, “Business volunteers play a critical role in encouraging students to participate in the program. The volunteers will speak to students, before they make their high school course selections, on the importance of advanced skills in order to get a high-paying job and become productive members of the community and workforce.” Business volunteers will begin training programs in February,
and will start giving presentations in March to students at participating
middle and high schools. The Connecticut State Scholars program
will begin in September 2004, with the students entering the ninth
and 10th grades. Visit the Connecticut State Scholars Web site at cbia.com or www.ctscholars.org ### CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with 10,000 members. Media wishing to attend the event should contact Nancy Andrews, CBIA media relations manager, at 860-244-1957 or andrewsn@cbia.com. 350 Church
Street · Hartford, CT 06103-1126 · cbia.com/newsroom
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