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For Immediate Release
CONNECTICUT AWARDED A GRANT OF UP TO $13.2 MILLION TO FOSTER
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. "Education and job growth continue to be top priorities for my administration. 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,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “Success in the global economy depends upon having an adaptable workforce grounded in math and the sciences.” "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,” said John R. Rathgeber, Connecticut Business & Industry Association president and CEO. “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.” 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 of 20 experts, improving American students' performance in math and science coursework is the most effective way to increase U.S. competitiveness in a global market. Exxon Mobil Corp. announced its support of the initiative with a commitment of $125 million. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation are also funding the program. "By focusing on programs that are proven to be effective, NMSI holds great promise in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Rex Tillerson, chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp. "At a time when all young people need higher skills to be successful, it's critical that Connecticut's education system provide students with the skills necessary to compete in today's high-tech global economy,” said Lauren Weisberg Kaufman, CBIA vice president for education and job training and executive director of the association's Education Foundation. “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. By better educating the state's future workers, Connecticut will be able to retain its world-class workforce.” CBIA tentatively plans to work with high schools in the following 10 Connecticut cities and towns: Ansonia, Coventry, Danbury, East Hartford, Hartford, New Britain, New London, Putnam, Stamford and Waterbury . The grant will be awarded to CBIA's Education Foundation along with its supporting partners: the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut Department of Higher Education, the Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, and the Connecticut Science Center . ### About the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) About the CBIA Education Foundation For more information 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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